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TALKS' 

FROM 

AMERICAN HISTORY; 

CONTAINING THE 

PRINCIPAL FACTS 

IN THS LIFE OF 

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

FOR THE USE OF YOUNG PERSONS, 
AND SCHOOLS. 



AUTHOR OF AMERICAN POPULAR LESSONS. 

F ^ 1 Z.XX "R o hjb^-n S 



The man I speak of cannot in the world 
Be singly counterpoised. — Shahspeare, 




PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM BURG£SJ«i, 

JUVENILE EMPORIUM, 

97 FULTON-STREET, 



1830, 

U6 



Southern District of New-York^ ss. 

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the 4th day of February, 
A. D. 1830, in the fifty-fourth year of the Independence of the 
United States of America, William Burgess, of the same District, 
hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he 
claims as Proprietor, in the words following, to wit : 

" Tales from American History ; containing the Principal Facts 
in the Life of Christopher Columbus. For the use of Young 
Persons, and Schools. By the Author of American Popular 
Lessons. 

The man I speak of cannot in the world 

Be singly counterpoised. — Shakspeare.''^ 

In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled 
"An Act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies 
of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such 
capies, during the time therein mentioned." And also to an Act, 
entitled "An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the 
encouragement of Learning, b}' securing the copies of Maps, Charts, 
and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the 
times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the 
arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and other prints." 

FRED. J. BETTS, 

Clerk of the Southern District of New-York. 



/r^ 



PREFACE. 






The following abstract of the life of Columbus, 
is part of a design similar in its purpose to the Tales 
of a Grandfather. It was intended that this volume 
of Tales from American History, should contain 
several biographical notices of the first discoverers 
of the Western Continent, but the history of the 
principal of those intrepid men, could not, without 
diminishing its interest, be condensed in a briefer 
manner than this. Mr. Irving's Life and Voyages 
of Christopher Columbus, Edwards' History of the 
West Indies, Robertson's America, and Miss Emily 
Taylor's Letters on Maritime Discovery, afford 
abundant authorities, and I have availed myself of 
them. I trust that what I have written may interest 
children in a history, which, it must be allowed, com- 
bines more remarkably than any other the excellency 
of truth with the attractiveness of fiction, and, in 
effect, with the charm of poetry, for what is more 
poetical than devotion, enthusiasm, and heroism, 
in action 1 — Nor can the miniature representation of 
this history impair the splendour and magnificence 
of its higher pretensions and more appropriate form. 
The infant that loves the toy may become the man 
who shall admire the statue ; and I hope, even by 
this small effort, to bear my part in forming the in- 
tellectual and moral taste, which, in its maturity, may 
enjoy with ample gratification, the sublime character, 



IV PREFACE. 

and extraordinary adventures of Columbus, cele- 
brated by the beautiful genius and eloquent pen of 
Irving. 

A second edition of Tales from American History 
has been called for, and it has been introduced into 
schools. To give it a more convenient form, at the 
desire of instructors, questions have been added to 
every chapter. Its present form is more correct and 
more convenient than that of the former edition. — 
It is the hope of the author, that those who find any 
utility in this publication, will remember that it is one 
of a series of books especially written for the use 
of schools, which are, severally, Popular Lessons, 
a Sequel to Popular Lessons, and Poetry for Schools. 
To these elementary books will be added others 
upon the subject of American History, and all with 
one design, and one mode of execution — that of 
adaptation to young, and, consequently, uninformed 
minds. 



CONTEI^TS. 



CHAPTER I. 



Page- 



The ancient world — Navigation and commerce of 
the Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans 
— Constantinople and Venice 11 

CHAPTER II. 

The middle ages — Popery — Printing — Revival of 
Learning — The Magnet — Heraldry — Armorial 
bearings — Prince Henry of Portugal — Discove- 
ries of the Portuguese. 21 

CHAPTER III. 
Christopher Columbus — His industry, piety, and 
desire of knowledge — Rights of men better 
understood in modern than in ancient times — • 
Columbus lays plans for Discoveries before 
John II. of Portugal 30 

CHAPTER IV. 

Columbus at the convent of La Rabidad — Isabella 
queen of Spain — Columbus at the court of. 
Spain — Council of learned men meet at Sala- 
manca to discuss the project of Columbus — 
The Moors surrender the city of Grenada — Co- 
lumbus appointed admiral and viceroy. . . 36 

CHAPTER V. 
Columbus sails from Palos — touches at the Cana 
lies — discovers St. Salvador. ... 44 

CHAPTER VI. 
The Bahama Islands — The landing of Columbus 
— The natives of the Island — their persons and 
arms — food and ornaments — Islands of Feman- 
dina and Isabella 54 



CO^'TENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Page 



Cuba— Indian Villages— Haj^i, or Hispaniola dis- 
covered—Indian Women — The natives gene- 
rous and amiable 59 

CHAPTER Vin. 
The cacique Guacanagari— The Caribs — One of 
the ships, the Pinta, deserts the squadron of 
Columbus— Fortress of La Navidad— Colum- 
bus returns to Europe 68 

CHAPTER IX. 
Reception of Columbus — In Portugal — At the 
court of Spain — Public rejoicings — Duplicity 
of Martin Alonzo Pinzon — His death. . » 82 

CHAPTER X. 
The king and queen of Spain encourage Colum- 
bus to undertake a second voyage — He sails 
from the Bay of Cadiz — Discovers the Carib- 
bees and Porto Rico — Arrives at Hispaniola — 
Finds the garrison of La Navidad destroyed — 
The Indian chief Caonabo 95 

CHAPTER XI. 
Columbus lays the foundation of the city of Isa- 
bella — The Royal Vega — The Island in part 
explored — Mountains of Cibao — Fables of the 
Indians — Their songs and dances — Fort St. 
Thomas erected — Jamaica discovered — Inter- 
esting young Indian — Columbus goes to Cuba 
— ^Venerable old man meets the Spaniards and 
admonishes them — Natural Religion. . . 108 

CHAPTER XII. 
Columbus circumnavigates Jamaica — Cacique 
and his family — Columbus arrives at Isabella 
—meets his brother Bartholomev^^ — Five do- 
mains of Hispaniola — Misconduct and discon- 
tent of the Spaniards — Adventures of Ojeda — 
The chief Caonaba made prisoner. . . 135 



CONTENTS. Va 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Page 
Indians treated with cruelty by the Spaniards — 
Their sufferings — Death of Guacanagari. . 150 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Eneniies of Columbus conriplain to the king and 
queen of Spain of his administration — Aguado 
appointed to inquire into the atfairs of the colo- 
ny at Hispaniola — Mines of gold discovered — 
Columbus embarks for Spain, March, 1496 — 
Entrusts the government of the colony to his 
brother Bartholomew — Columbus received with 
indifference in !Spain — Furnislied with six ships 
for a new enterprise — Discovers the Islands of 
Trinidad and Margarita, and the coast of Paria. 154 

CHAPTER XV. 
City of St. Domingo — Province of Xaragua and 
its chief, Behechio — Female cacique, Anacaona 
— Guarionex, cacique of the Vega — The Adel- 
antado takes tribute from Behechio — Revolt 
ofRoldan. ........ ,165 

CHAPTER XVI. 
Roldan refuses to submit to the Adelantado — The 
Indians take part in the insurrection — Don Bar- 
tholomew marches against them into the prov- 
ince of Ciguay — The caciques, Magobanex and 
Guarionex taken — Roldan in the province of 
Xaragua — Columbus makes peace with Roldan 
— Ojeda appears in Hispaniola, and heads a 
party of rebels — Roldan, at the command of 
Columbus, crushes this Rebellion — Guevara — 
Insurgent attempt of Adrian de Moxico, — Salu- 
tary severity of Columbus. . . . . .175 

CHAPTER XVn. 
Misrepresentations of the administration of Co- 
lumbus by his enemies in Spain — Bobadilla ap- 
pointed to supersede Columbus — His unworthy 
treatment of Columbus — Columbus sent in 



Viii CONTENTS. 



Page 
chains to Spain — Columbus arrives at Cadiz — 
Queen Isabella commands him to appear at court 
— She receives him graciously — Ovando suc- 
ceeds Bobadilla as governor of the Spanish 

colonies. . . , 18' 

CHAPTER XVm. 
Columbus engages in his fourth and last voyage 
— Arrives off St. Domingo — Ovando refuses to 
allow hira to enter the harbour — Bobadilla, Rol- 
dan, and the chief Guarionex are lost at sea — 
Columbus discovers the coast of Honduras — 
Cape Gracias a Dios, &c. — The rivers Veragua 
and Belen — Commences a settlement in the vi- 
cinity — The Indians conspire against the Span- 
iards — The Spaniards seize the family of the 
cacique Quibia — I'he Indians attack the Span- 
iards at the settlement— They Idll Diego Tristan. 1 97 

CHAPTER XIX. 
Columbus takes off the Spaniards from the settle- 
ment, and sails from the coast of Veragua — He 
arrives at the coast of Jamaica, forced to remain 
there — Sends to Hispaniola — Rebelhon of the 
brothers Porras — Stratagem of Columbus to 
procure supphes from the Indians. . . . 211 

CHAPTER XX. 
Adventures of Diego Mendez — The Adelantado 
defeats Porras — Columbus and his men taken off 
the w^recks — Arrive at St. Domingo — Return to 
Spain — Administration of Ovando — Fate of Ana- 
caona — The king of Spain disregards the claims 
of Columbus — Death of Isabella — Her charac- 
ter — Columbus dies — Brief character of Co- 
lumbus — Diego Columbus — Fernando Colum- 
bus — Amerigo Vespucci 221 



DEDICATION. 

TO 

EDWARD LYMAN, JAMES HOWE, 

AND 

JOHN REVERE. 

Because I love you, and am interested in yout 
improvement, I have written this book ; but though it 
was written more especially for your instruction and 
entertainment, if it can be useful to you, it may be 
useful to other children. When I was no older than 
you are, your grandmother used to relate to me the 
histories of Mary, Queen of Scots ; of her grandson 
Charles I. King of England ; and his unfortunate 
minister, Wentworth, Earl of Stafford. I took in- 
finite pleasure in listening to these pathetic narra- 
tives, and I learned from them what I hope I have 
never forgotten — veneration for those who suffer in 
any calamity with patience and dignity ; and com- 
passion for the afflicted, whoever they are, whether 
they are of the highest or lowest station in the world. 
1 wish I may be able to inform your minds with the 
same skill, and with greater effect. 

Marcus Antonius, one of the wisest and best of 
Roman Emperors, recorded in writing the names 
of persons who had taught him any just sentiment, 
or good rule of conduct, or who had benefited him 
by good examples. His grateful regard for the 
benefactors of his mind, is one of the most beautiful 



DEDICATION. 



and edifying traits of his character, and is truly wor- 
thy of imitation by the young of all posterity. To 
leave such honourable and affecting recollections in 
the minds of young persons, is all 1 wish. I am de- 
sirous of no better reputation and happiness, than 
that of the friend of children. I wish to make them 
happy, by providing their minds with rational employ- 
ments and gratifications ; to make them wise, by set- 
ting good examples of virtuous men before them ; 
and to make them good, by showing them, that. 

There surely is some guiding power 

That rightly suffers wrong ; 
Gives vice to bloom its little hour, 

But virtue late and long. 

I hope you will understand and like to read Tales 
from American History. I have given you but one 
volume, but if you like it, and other children like it, 
and their parents approve it, you shall have more 
stories from 

Your affectionate 

Aunt. 



JVew-York, March 16, 1329. 



TALES 



AMERICAN HISTORY. 



CHAPTER I. 



I KNOW, my dear little boys, that you have read 
Sir Walter Scott's <' Tales of a Grandfather," and 
have been entertained and instructed by his inter- 
esting stories of Scottish kings and queens. I think 
the history of your own country may also furnish 
you with stories which you will read with pleasure. 
The first discoverer of the American continent was 
one of the greatest men that ever lived, and his ad- 
ventures will interest you as much as those of any 
hero of any nation. I am sure you will admire his 
noble character when you become acquainted with 
it, and I hope, when you grow to be men, you will 
possess the same virtues. I will write for you 
some short histories of Columbus, and other eminent 
men, who are distinguished in the annals, that is, in 
the written history of your native country, and I 
hope that you may be made wiser and better by their 
example. 

The boys in ancient Greece and Rome were ac- 
customed to hear and read of the great actions and 



12 GREEKS AND ROMANS, 

generous sentiments of the patriots and wise men of 
their respective countries ; and the histories in which 
they were instructed, are written, and, at the present 
time, are studied by boys of our country. The 
great men of antiquity ought to be remembered and 
honoured ; but those who are taught to reverence 
the justice of Aristides, the generosity of Cimon, 
and the moral wisdom of Socrates ; those who ad- 
mire the simphcity of Cincinnatus, the eloquence of 
Cicero, and the hardihood and enterprise of Julius 
Caesar, should also be taught to revere the virtues of 
their own national benefactors^-the courageous and 
disinterested men who encountered a thousand dan- 
gers, and performed unnumbered services for the 
benefit of those who should live after them. 

You perceive, my dear children, that I presume 
you are somewhat acquainted with the great men of 
Greece and Rome, I have written a little book, 
" Sequel to Popular Lessons," which gives a brief 
history of some of the most distinguished of the 
Greeks and Romans ; and if you have read that, 
you are acquainted with those great men, even if 
you have not studied their thoughts and actions in 
Greek and Latin books, I presume you will be glad 
of another book written by your aunt, and will like 
it the better because it describes persons who have 
served and done honour to your native country. 

The most extraordmary event in modern history- 
is the discovery of America; but you cannot un- 
derstand its importance unless you attend very pa- 
tiently to what I shall tell you of the state of the 
world previous to that discovery. You must have 
heard of the old and the neiv world, and it is neces- 
sary that you should perfectly understand what these 
phrases signify. In the first chapter of Genesis ar 



AGE OF THE WORLD. VS 

account is given of the creation of the material uni' 
verse — that is, of the globe we inhabit, its animals 
and vegetables, the sun and other heavenly bodies 
which afford heat and light, and the human beings 
who became the parents of all mankind. 

According to the belief of Christians, the crea- 
tion happened four thousand years before the birth 
of Christ, — eighteen hundred years and a little 
more, have elapsed since that time. The period 
from the creation to the birth of Christ comprehends 
forty centuries. The period from the birth of 
Christ to the present time comprehends eighteen 
centuries. Those two periods, — the presumed age 
of the world,- — make nearly six thousand years. 
According to the Bible, the whole human race, 
except Noah and his family, perished in the deluge, 
or flood, sixteen hundred and fifty-six years after 
the creation. The inhabitants of the world, there- 
fore, who have existed since the deluge, are all dC" 
scendants of Noah, and all that has happened to 
them, previous to the advent., or coming of our 
Saviour, is comprehended in twenty-three centu- 
ries. 

I have endeavoured to give you clear notions of 
time in respect to the history of mankind. I will 
now point out to you those parts of the globe which 
have been the abode of the most intelligent, inge- 
nious, and happy of the great family of man. You 
know what is meant by the civilized and savage 
states of society. You have been taught from your 
iittle books that men v/ho have comfortable habita- 
tions and clothing, who possess books and the arts 
of reading and writing, and whose business is car* 
ried on by means of coined money, are civilized ; 
while those who subsist by the chase of wild ani« 
2 



14 CIVILIZATION. 



mals, who live in rude huts, dress in the skins of 
beasts, and who have no letters, are savage* Large 
tracts of the earth are now in this state, and still 
larger portions of it were formerly occupied in this 
manner. 

If you look at the map of the world, as it is 
known at the present time, you will see the coasts 
of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, distinctly 
marked out ; but if you examine a map of the an- 
cient world, you will see clearly delineated only the 
coasts of the Mediterranean, the southern countries 
of Europe, the western parts of Asia, and the 
north of Africa. These parts of the globe were 
inhabited by civilized men p*'evious to the year 1492, 
and so much of it is called the old world, because, 
until that time, only so much of the globe was 
known to civilized men. 

In 1492 Columbus crossed the Atlantic Ocean 
and discovered the West Indies ; he afterward 
went to the continent of South America, and, in 
time, other navigators explored the coasts of North 
and South America, and ascertained the fact, that 
the whole tract formed a vast continent in the west- 
ern hemisphere. Europeans afterward emigrated 
to America, and their descendants now form nume- 
rous and different states on this continents After' 
the discovery of America, the people of Europe 
called it the new world, and the eastern hemisphere 
was called the old world. Miss Edgeworth relates 
that a little boy, for want of the explanation I 
have given you, imagined these were two separate 
worlds, and that the new world was created after 
the old world. You are not liable to this mistake if 
you pay attention to what I have told you* 

The inhabitants of the different parts of the okl 



THE HEBREWS, 15 

world became known to each other by means of 
navigation and commerce, and afterward by wars. 
You will remember that the civilized portion of the 
old world, in ancient times, surrounded the Mediter- 
ranean. The people on the coasts learned by de- 
grees to make vessels, in which they crossed that 
sea, and passing from one country to another, be- 
came acquainted. The most remarkable people of 
antiquity were the Hebrews, whose history is re- 
lated in the Bible. They lived at the head of the 
Mediterranean, but their country lay a little inland 
— in one place approaching the sea, but for the 
most part being bounded west by the territory of 
the Phcenicians. 

The Hebrews were a warlike and agricultural 
nation, but not distinguished by their foreAgn trade. 
Foreign trade means the exchange of goods for 
money between men of different countries. This 
trade is carried on by ships. I have said that the 
Hebrews were not a commercial people ; but in the 
reign of the wisest of their kings, Solomon, who lived 
ten centuries before Christy the Hebrews carried on 
a considerable traffic with the Tyrians, and probably 
with the neighbouring states of Egypt and Assyria. 

Egypt, from time mmemona/, that is, from a time 
of which the beginning is not known, was the most 
scientific and powerful of ancient nations. Fifteen 
centuries before Christ, Moses, the Hebrew legisla- 
tor, was instructed in '' the learning of the Egyp- 
tians." The ruin of ancient edifices still remain- 
ing in Egypt exhibit proofs of immense wealth and 
industry in the former inhabitants, and the circum- 
stance that Joseph's brothers went down into 
Egypt to buy corn, and that the Romans, many 
years after, considered that country the granary of 



16 ^oxrr. 

Rome, and imported large quantities of bread stuff, 
(as we in America call the substance that make 
bread,) are all facts which show that the knowledge, 
the architecture, the agriculture, and the trade of 
Egypt, were of a high order for that age, and pecu- 
liar to an intelligent race of men ; but the power of 
the Egyptians does not appear to have been that of 
conquerors abroad— it was the honourable distinc- 
tion of mind employed for the most part upon useflil 
arts, and tending to make the nation happy at home. 
From a time previous to any tradition, Assyria, 
Persia, and India, afforded different articles of 
luxury. Silks, fine leather, carpets, spices, and 
perfumes, were severally to be obtained from these 
countries. These articles became desirable to the 
Greeks after their defeat of the Persians, (nearly 
five centuries before Christ,) for the Persian inva- 
ders of Greece first made the inhabitants of that 
country acquainted with the luxuries of the east. 
You do not, perhaps, understand the difference be- 
tween the necessaries and luxuries of life. JYeces- 
sarits are those articles of food and clothing, the 
shelter of a rude dwelling place, and the warmth of 
fire, without which we could not live at all : luxuries 
are rich food, elegant houses and carriages, pictures 
and statues, and ornamental apparel. Every coun- 
try furnishes the necessaries of life to its inhabitants, 
but the productions of warm climates, and the 
manufactures of rich and ingenious people, furnish 
luxuries ; and ships and beasts of burthen must 
convey these luxuries from the people who possess 
to those that want them. 

Curiosity, or the desire of seeing what we have 
not seen, or knowing what we have not known, in- 
duces men to wish to go to different countries, 



TYRE, SIDON, AND CARTHAGE. 17 

where they have never been. The Phoenicians, a 
people who inhabited a small country at the head 
of the Mediterranean, north and west of Judea, in- 
vented ships and the art of navigation. They 
were the most enterprising and commercial nation 
of antiquity ; built the cities of Tyre and Sidon ; 
sent ships with their manufactures to the ports of 
the Mediterranean ; planted colonies in Greece, 
and founded the city of Carthage, in Africa. The 
foundation of Carthage v/as laid eight hundred years 
before Christ ; and that city, like the parent country, 
was famous, during many centuries, for its trade. 
The Romans first learned the art of ship building 
from the Carthaginians. A Carthaginian vessel 
was wrecked on the coast of Italy, and the Ro- 
mans, by imitating the construction of this vessel, 
obtained a navy of their own. 

You have been told that the Greeks did not be- 
come acquainted with the luxuries obtained by an 
extended commerce, till they had gained them by 
the defeat of the rich Persians ; but after that time 
they carried on a great trade from Gaul to Thrace. 
Massilia, the modern Marseilles, was a Greek co- 
lony originally : and Byzantium, now Constantino^ 
pie, was also colonized by Greeks. The whole 
coast, from one to the other of these cities, where- 
ever the country was cultivated, and the people were 
disposed to commerce, interchanged their commo- 
dities with the Greeks. 

Corinth, the most commercial of the Greek 
cities, exhibited the different productions of all the 
civilized parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. A 
writer describing Corinth as she was three centu- 
ries before Christ, says, " We saw the shore co- 
vered with reams of paper, (made of papyrus,) and 

9* 



IS CORINTH* 



sail-cloth from Egypt, ivory from Lybia, the leather 
of Cyrene, incense from Syria, Phoenician dates, 
Carthaginian carpets, corn and cheese from Syra- 
cuse, pears and apples from Euboea, and Phrygian 
and Thessalian slaves ; not to mention a multitude 
of other articles which arrive daily at Corinth." 
This brief sketch of the trade of Greece is inserted 
in your Popular Lessons. I repeat it here that I 
may bring into one view, or show you at once, the 
commerce and geography of the civilized world 
previous to modern discoveries. 

Rome, you will remember, was founded sevt# '- 
and a half centuries before Christ. One hundred" 
and forty-six years before the existence of our Sa?' 
viour on earth, Corinth and Carthage became subl 
ject to Rome ; and not long after. Western AsIk 
and Egypt were included in the Roman empire f 
so that the trade of all nations was controlled b) 
Roman laws, and tributary to Rom.an power. 

The Phcenicians, (sometimes called the Tyrians 
from their city of Tyi-e,) not only navigated the 
Mediterranean, but made themselves masters ol^ 
harbours on the Arabian Gulf, or Red Sea. li) 
you examine a map you will see Egypt on the west,!; 
Arabia on the east, and the country bordering on* 
Judea on the north of the Red Sea. Phoenician 
vessels sailed from the harbours of these countries p 
to the coasts of India and the Persian Gulf. Some 
of the articles which these merchantmen trafficked 
in were brought down the Indus, and others were 
transported by the Euphrates to the Persian Gulf, 
where they were taken up by the Tyrians and con- 
veyed to their different ports of the Red Sea. At 
these ports the vessels were unloaded, and the goods j 
conveyed over land to the ports of the Mediterra- ^ 



ANCIENT COMMERCE. 19 



nean, where they were again shipped and sent to 
the cities of Europe. 

The over-land conveyance was laborious, slow, 
and dangerous. The caravans, or travelling com- 
panies, were exposed to the hardships of a hot cli- 
mate, and to the attacks of robbers ; and when 
they had arrived at the place of destination, the 
price of their labour was to be added to the price 
of their merchandise ; thus the treasures of India, 
when they were distributed through Italy, Greece, 
-ind the Roman states in Africa, could only be pro- 
cured at immense cost. You will observe upon 
he map that the course thus taken by water and 
and was the shortest distance from India to 
Europe ; but you must remember that a continued 
water passage of much greater length might be ef- 
fected v/ith less difficulty and less expense. 

Alexander, of Macedon. was one of the men 
who are permitted by divine Providence to change 
the face of human affairs. He besieged and took 
the wealthy city of Tyre, which he entirely de- 
stroyed, and founded another city, which, like 
Tyre, became the seat of the most flourishing com- 
merce then carried on in the world. Tyre was de- 
stroyed three hundred and thirty-two years before 
Christ, and the foundation of Alexandria was laid 
four years after. The city was placed near one of 
the mouths of the river Nile, and became celebratetl 
not only for its extensive trade, and its great wealth, 
but for schools of philosophy, for learned men, and 
vast collections of books. The Saracens after- 
ward took Alexandria, and destroyed its noble in- 
stitutions. Its site still remains, and it is interest- 
ing on account of its departed glory. Alexandria 
was taken A. D. 640. For nearly a thousand 



2D ALEXANDRIA AND BYZANTIUM. 

years it had been the greatest commercial city in 
the world. 

After the taking of Alexandria by the Mahome- 
dans, Constantinople became the great emporium, or 
principal seat of India trade. Constantinople was 
then the capital of the Eastern Empire. You know 
the Roman Empire, in the time of our Saviour, 
comprehended all the countries round the Mediter- 
ranean, and at that time Augustus Caesar was its 
master. Three centuries after, this vast extent of 
territory was thought by its emperor to be too large 
for one empire, and it was divided into the Eastern 
and Western Empires. Constantinople, before 
called Byzantium, became the capital of the Past- 
ern Empire, after Christ 364, and Rome continued 
to be the capital of the Western Empire, till barba- 
rians from the north of Europe took possession of 
that part of the world, and afterward divided it into 
kingdoms, known in modern geography as Italy, 
France, Spain, and Portugal, 

Venice, at the head of the Adriatic Gulf, some 
time after, succeeded to the trade of Constantino- 
ple. The Venetian merchants contrived to obtain 
the transmission of India goods directly from Con- 
stantinople, and enriched themselves immensely 
by selling them to traders from the different coun- 
tries of Southern Europe. The Venetians having 
monopolized, or taken the whole of the India trade 
into their own hands, put an enormous price upon 
India goods, and excited much discontent in other 
European cities, whose inhabitants wished to pro- 
cure these goods at a cheaper rate ; and people 
began to reflect upon means of getting to India by 
some other course than over land from the Medi- 
terranean to the Red Sea, or from Constantinople 



COLUMBUS. 21 



by means of the Black Sea, the rivers, and the 
Caspian, and thence over land to the Persian Gulf. 
If a passage could be found by the Atlantic Ocean, 
it would, perhaps, afford a free and easy course to 
European nations, and give to all enterprising and 
trading states the power of procuring at an easy 
rate whatever Southern Asia afforded. 

I have now told you, my little boys, the reason 
why Europeans desired to find a new passage from 
Europe to India — in another chapter I will show 
you how they were enabled to attempt it ; and I 
will afterwards relate to you some interesting facts 
concerning the greatest man who engaged in this 
undertaking, and the extraordinary discovery which 
was made in consequence of pursuing it. 



CHAPTER II. 

I HOPE, my young friends, that you had patience 
to read the preceding chapter, and to find upon 
the map the places mentioned in it. I promised to 
give you some account of the great navigator, Co- 
lumbus, but you cannot understand his history un- 
less you know something more than you now know 
in respect to the state of the world when Columbus 
lived. 

You must remember to have heard that barba- 
rians from the north of Europe ravaged Italy, and 
the western provinces of the Roman Empire, in 
the fifth century after Christ. The barbarians de- 
stroyed almost every thing beautiful and valuable 
that could be found in these fine countries. A few 



22 THE DARK AGES. 



of the ancient books were hidden in convents, or 
left in neglected places ; but these ignorant con- 
querors did not cultivate the art of reading, or 
permit their followers to do so, so that all literature 
and science was forgotten, and many hundred years 
passed away in which the people of Europe lived 
in such extreme ignorance, that the thousand years 
which elapsed from the fifth to the fifteenth century 
have been called the Dark Ao-es. 

The Eastern division of the Roman Empire ex- 
isted, and cherished learning, and was governed by 
the Roman laws long after the destruction of the 
Western Empire ; but the provinces of this empire 
fell into wars with one another. The barbarians of 
the north, and the warlike tribes of middle Asia 
and Arabia, at last desolated this empire also, and 
Constantinople submitted to the ignorant Turks 
about a thousand 3^ears after the fall of Rome. 

About the middle of the fifteenth century Printing 
was invented, books were printed, the Europeans 
began to read, to study the laws of nature, to cul- 
tivate science, to travel, and to found schools ; 
and kings and governors began to think it a duty 
to do good to their subjects, and to encourage wise, 
men. Six centuries after Christ the ignorant people 
of Europe, and their sovereigns, made a governor 
for all states and princes of the bishop of Rome, 
afterward known as the Pope. [You have read in 
the Tales of a Grandfather, and in other books, 
how this power of the Pope was conferred upon 
him. ] 

One pope after another was elected, and the popes 
believed, or pretended to believe, that their power 
was conferred by God himself. Popery kept the 
people of Europe in ignorance, for it forbade persons 



REVIVAL OF LEARNING. 2B 

to inquire into their duties, and commanded them to 
believe whatever priests should tell them. It was for 
the interest of priests that the people should be 
ignorant, because the people, who did not know 
better, would work for the priests, support large 
numbers of them in idleness, build them houses, 
and give them part of all they possessed. 

After printing was invented, people began to in- 
quire what was true in every thing, and to wish to 
extend knowledge in all ways. This memorable 
change in the state of men's minds in Europe is call- 
ed in history the Revival of Learning. The neglected 
and forgotten books, written in Greek and I^atinj 
were brought out of the convents, many of them 
Were printed and studied, and original books were 
also published and read. At this period the spirit 
of maritime discovert) was awakened. By the spirit 
of maritime discovery, I mean the desire to find 
countries previously unknown to the discoverers^ 
I have shown you that the spirit of commerce, which 
is in fact the desire of wealth, had turned the atten- 
tion of Europeans to the means of increasing thei? 
property by trade, and to the easy acquisition of 
foreign luxuries* I must now tell you how they 
succeeded. 

About the year 1302 it was discovered that sL 
needle, or small iron rod, ma<y;netized, or touched 
by a substance called the loadstone, pointed inva- 
Hably north and south. By means of the magnet, 
pi'operly adjusted, a ship out of sight of land might 
ascertain whether she was sailing north or south, 
bast or west, or in any possible direction. For ^ 
hundred years no important use was made of this 
discovery ? but early in the fifteenth centilry, an 
instrument called the Mariner's Compass ^i^as 



24 THE MAGNET. 



invented. This is a magnetic needle placed in a box, 
and fixed to a surface somewhat resembling the face 
of a watch, upon which, instead of the numbers that 
indicate hours of the day, letters, signifying east, 
west, north, and south, &c. are marked, and serve 
to show the course which the vessel carrying the 
compass is pursuing. 

Portugal, the westernmost country of Europe, 
as you know, lies open to the Atlantic Ocean. 
That vast expanse of water is in full view of its 
western border, and seemed to invite men to ex- 
plore its unknown wonders. The Mediterranean, 
as its name signifies, is enclosed by shores no 
where very distant from each other ; but the At- 
lantic, to the people of Southern Europe, was in 
that age an illimitable sea, though it is said that 
navigators from Norway had discovered Iceland 
and Greenland, in America, in the eighth century, 
and soon after converted the Icelanders to Chiis- 
tianity. 

It is supposed that the Fortunate, or Canary 
Islands, were originally discovered by Phoenician 
navigators, who passed beyond the Pillars of Her- 
cules, or Straits of Gibraltar, but that they were 
neglected and forgotten in succeeding times, and 
not recovered till some Spanish vessels touched 
there in 1365. In the fifteenth century the Por- 
tuguese led the way to the important discoveries of 
succeeding times ; and there is great pleasure in 
following the progress of discovery among them, 
from its first cautious attempts to its later splendid 
achievements. 

Theory is a belief of certain presumed facts, 
without examination and knowledge. Previously' 
to the discovery of the Cape of Good Hope, some 



I'ROGRESS or DISCOVERY. , 25 

philosophers believed that the continent of Africa 
extended to the south pole, and formed a boundary 
to Asia. This proved to be a false theory ; for you 
know that Africa only extends thirty-five degrees 
south of the equator, and that, though it actually 
joins Asia at the isthmus of Suez, it is a vast pe- 
ninsula alone in the waste of waters. 

I will tell you of another false theory v/hich 
mariners of the fifteenth century believed in. You 
know that geographers divided the globe into five 
portions, called zones. That part of the earth 
which includes twenty-three and a half degrees on 
each side of the equator is the torrid, or hot zone. 
This zone is now continually traversed by ships of 
every country without fear, or greater danger than 
any other part of the ocean ; but, at the time of 
which I am writing, sailors supposed they must be 
burnt up should they enter the limits of this fiery 
region, and the fear of such a fate prevented them 
from sailing so far south as the tro^nc, or boundary 
of the torrid zone. 

John the First, king of Portugal, sent out ships 
to explore the western coast of Africa ; and his 
captains sailed as far south as Cape Bojador. King 
John had a son. Prince Henry, who was one of the 
most admirable men of his time, or of any age. 
You have read enough of history to know that prin- 
ces, in general, wish to distinguish themselves by 
conquering foreign nations, like Alexander, who 
was not content with the sovereignty of Greece, but 
carried his armies to the Euphrates and subdued 
Persia, and afterwards Egypt, and then wept be- 
cause there was no other region to conquer : or, like 
Buonaparte, who wanted to be master of all Europe, 
from the Mediterranean to the Arctic Ocean. — 
3 



26 PR1NC£ HENRV. 



Prince Henry, of Portugal, was animated by a 
nobler ambition — it was the desire of extending 
human knowledge, and of making men better. Mr. 
Irving, in the Life of Columbus, says, he was " a 
person who has been well described ' full of thoughts 
of lofty enterprise, and acts of generous spirit.* 
One who bore for his device the magnificent motto, 
* The talent to do good,' — the only talent worthy the 
ambition of princes." 

Before I tell you any more of Prince Henry, I 
must inform you what is meant by a motto or de- 
vice. You know, that in ancient warfare, soldiers 
dressed in armour, and carried a shield to defend 
themselves. Upon this shield was often engraved 
a line to express the bearer's intention in taking 
up the profession of arms, or to show that rule of 
conduct which was the favourite principle of his 
actions. I remember to have read a tragedy of 
Eschylus — The Seven Chiefs before Thebes. The 
war of Thebes is supposed to have happened twelve 
centuries before Christ. These chiefs were all de- 
scribed as bearing an inscription, and one of these , 
inscriptions is excellent ; in English it is, | 



" To be — not to appear, the best." 

Miss Edge worth mentions an Irish gentleman who 
adopted a device somewhat like that of the Greek 
chief — 

" Deeds, not words."' 

This fashion of devices was adopted by Euro- 
peans during the middle ages, (from the fifth to the 
fifteenth century ;) and, when armour went out of 
use, those persons who were descended from the 



COATS OF ARMS. v 27 



bearers of it kept the device, and had it engraved 
or painted in a Httle picture called a coat of arms. 
This coat of arms was impressed upon seals and 
upon family plate, and is still preserved by many 
families as a mark of respect for their ancestors. 
In England there is a public office, called the Her- 
ald's Office, where all the coats of arms in the 
kingdom are kept, and recorded, with the names of 
the families to which they belong. Besides the 
writing, or inscription, the coats of arms exhibit 
figures — sometimes of an animal, a sprig of some 
plant, or an instrument, and these, originally, had 
some meaning. The description and explanation 
of these figures forms a science called Heraldry. 
Besides the inscriptions of coats of arms, devices, 
in the present time, are fixed upon military stand- 
ards, and upon badges of various sorts. 

I will now return from this digression to Prince 
Henry. In order to do good, one must possess 
knowledge, or he will not understand how he shall 
perform great or useful actions. An ignorant man 
may mean well — a well-informed one only can ac- 
complish what is excellent ; an ignorant man must 
be governed by others, but a person suitably in- 
structed can guide, assist, and improve his fellow 
men. Such a one was Prince Henry. While he 
was young he withdrew himself from the society of 
frivolous persons, went into the country, collected 
learned men about him, studied diligently, and es- 
tablished a college for the instruction of others. 
His example and exertions turned other minds to 
the same pursuits, and when he proposed generous 
rewards to persons who would undertake voyages 
Q^ discovery, they readily engaged to prosecutg 



28 GUINEA DISCOVERED. 

enterprises which so wise and beneficent a man 
had projected. 

Under the patronage of Prince Henry, the 
African coast was explored from Cape Blanco to 
Cape de Verd, and the Azore islands were disco- 
vered. Among the first discoveries of Prince 
Henry's captains, was the island of Madeira, in 
1419. The name Madeira signifies timber, and 
was given to this island, because when first disco- 
vered, it was uninhabited, and overspread with 
trees. The climate of Madeira is the mosl deli- 
cious and healthful in the world, and the island was 
soon colonized by the Portuguese. Prince Henry 
procured some sHps of the vine from the island of 
Cyprus, and had them planted at Madeira. From 
these, vast plantations of grapes have ever since 
been cultivated, and Europe and the United States 
are constantly supplied with excellent wine from 
Madeira. 

The coast of Guinea was previously unknown 
to Europeans, but Prince Henry's vessels went 
thither and returned to Portugal with gums, gold- 
dust and ivory ; and, in this expedition, the Portu- 
guese saw, for the first time, negroes, with their 
black faces, and short curled hair. Prince Henry 
was a Roman Catholic, and, to encourage men to 
enter his service, he engaged the protection of the 
pope. You have been told, that the pope pretended 
to the authority of God upon earth, and that prin- 
ces and people in western Europe, consented to be 
governed by him; so Prince Henry very wisely 
engaged him in behalf of his designs. 

The pope issued a bull ; that is, an order, grant- 
ing, what did not belong to him, all lands which the 
Portuguese might discover in the Atlantic, even if 



CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. 29 

they should extend to India, to the kings of Portu- 
gal, excluding all others who might lay claim to 
these regions. When you look upon a map, and 
see what an immense gift the continent of Africa 
was, you will be astonished at its magnificence ; 
but you must remember, that neither the pope, who 
gave it, nor the prince who accepted it for himself 
and his successors, knew its extent, or could judge 
of the impossibility of one monarch possessing and 
governing that great territory. 

Prince Henry regarded Africa with the utmost 
benevolence ; It was his intention to make Chris- 
tians of his African subjects, and to send into their 
country ministers of religion who should instruct 
them. It must be regretted, that he did not live to 
serve these unfortunate people. After his death, 
the Europeans made slaves of the poor negroes, 
and the colonies which they afterwards founded in 
America have held them in slavery and ignorance. 
Prince Henry died in 1473, without accomplishing 
a passage by the Atlantic to India. 

After the death of Prince Henry, John the Se- 
cond succeeded Alphonso, king of Portugal, and 
pursued the discoveries which the prince had 
begun. One of his officers, Bartholomew Diaz, 
steered towards the south, till he reached the south- 
ern promontory of Africa ; but he encountered 
such violent storms, that he dared not venture to 
pass the cape, which he called Cape Tormentoso, 
or, the Stormy Cape ; but when Diaz returned to 
Portugal, with intelligence of his discovery. King 
John called it the Cape of Good Hope, because 
he anticipated, that, by doubling this cape, and 
steering through the ocean which had been opened 
3* 



30 PASSAGE TO (NI>IA. 

to Diaz, he should at last find the long wished for 
passage. 

Ten years afterwards, (1497,) Vasques de Ga- 
ma, with a Portuguese fleet, following the track 
which Prince Henry's navigators had begun to ex- 
plore, doubled the Cape of Good Hope, sailed to 
India, and opened to Europe the desired commu- 
nication with Asia ; and, from this period, " Por- 
tugal, from being one of the least among nations, 
became one of the most important." 

You will think, children, that I have forgotten 
America, and its great men, but indeed I have not ; 
you would not understand all that I wish to inform 
you of, unless I should give you some elementary 
knowledge, by which I mean information of cir- 
cumstances that relate to the persons and events 
whose history I would relate. I will, in the next 
chapter, introduce you to the illustrious Christopher 
Columbus. 






CHAPTER III. 

I HAVE told you, in my last chapter, that in the 
fifteenth century, the Portuguese, of all the nations 
of Europe, prosecuted maritime discovery with 
the greatest eagerness ; but it was reserved to their 
neighbours, the Spanish, to promote the greatest of 
all discoveries, that of the continent of America. 
The chief honour of this achievement, however, 
belongs to the individual who accomplished it. 



COLUMBUS. 31 



Christopher Columbus was born of a humble 
and worthy family in the city of Genoa. His father 
was a wool-comber of the name of Colombo — his 
illustrious son adopted the Latin termination of 
Columbus. The Latin language, at the time when 
Columbus lived, was that in which statesmen and 
princes wrote their letters, and every person in a 
public station of importance, wrote his name in 
conformity to this usage. Columbus had a son 
named Fernando, who, after his death, wrote a 
history of his father's life, and this son despised the 
pride then very common in Europe of being de- 
scended from noble ancestors, but he felt the true 
honour of his distinguished parent. Mr. Irving 
gives the words of Fernando Columbus thus, " I 
should derive less dignity from any nobility of an- 
cestry, than from being the son of such a father." 

Columbus was the eldest of four children, three 
sons and a daughter. His brothers Bartholomew^ 
and Diego are mentioned in his history. It appears 
that his parents, though poor, were sensible of the 
value of knowledge, and bestowed upon their chil- 
dren such instruction as could be obtained for them, 
and that Columbus improved his opportunities to 
the utmost advantage. He was taught reading, 
writing, arithmetic, drawing, and painting ; and all 
that he learned he acquired such skill in using, that 
by any branch of his knowledge, said one of his 
contemporaries, "he might gain a livelihood." — 
Columbus was also sent for a short time to Pavia, 
a city of Lombardy, the most celebrated of any at 
that time in Italy, for its schools of learning. Here 
he was made acquainted with the Latin tongue, but 
his chief attention was given to mathematics, to 
geography and astronomy — then called astrology. 



32 COLUMBUS. 



It is not uncommon to meet with boys who have 
a strong inclination to follow the sea, as they call 
it — to leave their homes, and their native country, to 
see something more wonderf^il and magnificent 
than the groves and valleys, or the streets and 
houses to which they are accustomed. A feeling 
like this animated the young Columbus ; but he 
added to it the noble and praiseworthy desire to 
benefit mankind. In the present age of the world, 
the curiosity of the young mariner is directed to 
some well known shore ; but the hopes and wishes 
of Columbus embraced the "great globe itself." 
He longed to go forth and penetrate the thick dark- 
ness which was upon the face of the deep ; to find 
some good land never seen by European eyes ; and 
it was the labour of his life to accomplish this 
mighty enterprise. 

How Columbus passed his early years is not 
precisely known, but it is supposed that from the 
age of fifteen to thirty-five, he spent the greater 
part of his time on the Mediterranean, sometimes 
engaged in merchant vessels, and sometimes in 
warlike enterprises. At that period the Barbary 
States sent out their corsairs, or piratical vessels, to 
intercept the merchantmen of Southern Europe, and 
the states of Italy kept up wars with one another ; 
so that the hardihood of the soldier was essen- 
tial to the character of the sailor ; and the defence 
of life and property was as necessary to the trader 
as to the vessel expressly sent out to fight. 

Columbus was induced to go to Lisbon by the 
attention paid there to navigation, and by the socie- 
ty of learned men, who studied geography and 
mathematics — his chief studies resembled theirs, 
and he lived always in hope to be permitted by 



COLUMBUS. 33 



Providence to prosecute some great discovery. — 
Columbus was persuaded that one third of the 
globe remained unknown to the inhabitants of the 
old world, and he beUeved that it was fertile and 
inhabited. Voyagers, who had sailed west of the 
Azores, reported that they had seen land plants 
floating on the ocean ; that pieces of wood, carved 
in a manner different from the workmanship of 
Europe, had also been found ; and the dead bodies 
of two men, of a different complexion from Euro- 
peans, had been cast upon one of the western 
islands. Columbus considered these circumstances 
as proofs that his theory was true. 

Columbus was eminently a devout man. He 
thanked God sincerely, that from a child his taste 
and his studies were directed to navigation, and he 
thought himself appointed by God to bring men of 
distant regions together; to make them acquainted 
with each other; and to instruct Pagans in the 
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. The dignity 
of his mind, and the sublimity of his designs, made 
him feel himself upon an equality with princes. He 
proposed to discover empires, and to present them 
to the European sovereign who should aid him in his 
project ; so that, though he was a poor man, he did 
not esteem himself the less, but felt that his mind 
raised him above the inferior considerations of rank 
and fortune. 

Columbus was too poor to fit out vessels for the 
expedition which he meditated in search of the new- 
world ; and he also thought it necessary that some 
prince should take part in his enterprise, because 
such a person only could govern the territory he 
might discover ; and which, according to the ideas 
>yhich men in that aga entertained of property, he 



34 COLUMBUS. 



conceived would belong to the king whose subjects 
might discover it. You must remember that the 
pope gave away all Africa to Prince Henry of Por- 
tugal, and Columbus had the same notions which 
Prince Henry had, respecting the authority of 
princes. 

At the present time no such opinions prevail, and 
civilized men have more just conceptions of the 
rights of savages. Perhaps you have read of the 
discoveries of Captain Cook and other navigators 
in the Pacific Ocean. In 1778 Captain Cook dis- 
covered the Sandwich Islands — ^just fifty years ago, 
(1828.) He was in the service of the king of 
Great Britain, but Captain Cook did not therefore 
imagine that the Sandwich Islands belonged to the 
king of England, nor did that king ever take the 
islands ; he left them in possession of the natives ; 
and, instead of injuring the islanders, British ships 
go to the islands, and English merchants send 
goods thither, and buy whatever the islanders have 
to sell. Besides carrying on a peaceful trade with the 
men of the South Sea, the English send out to them 
missionaries on purpose to instruct those ignorant 
people, in reading and in the Gospel ; and also to 
teach them to build comfortable houses, to cultivate 
the fields, and to make decent garments. I have 
told you this that you may know that nations act 
with more good sense and humanity in this age of 
the world than they did three hundred years ago. 
When you come to read the treatment of the Euro- 
peans to the natives of the Western Continent, 
after the former people had discovered it, you will 
understand how nations, at the present time, have 
improved in philanthrophy, or love to mankind. 

In 1484 Columbus presented the plan of a voyage 



COLUMBUS. 35 



across the Western Ocean to John II. of Portugal, 
and the king laid it before a council of bishops and 
nobles, for their approbation. The council decided 
that the scheme of Columbus could not end in any 
acquisition of importance ; but some of the king's 
counsellors proposed a treacherous ex-periment to 
ascertain the truth of Columbus's theory, and, if 
possible, to deprive him of the honour of his under- 
taking. To this unworthy suggestion the king 
gave ear, and consented to the mean and dishonest 
measures which I will relate to yoii. 

King John required Columbus to give him in 
writing a plan of his intended voyage, to which the 
unsuspecting petitioner readily consented. When 
the king had learned the course which Columbus 
intended to pursue, he despatched a vessel upon the 
route pointed out by Columbus, pretending she was 
sent with provisions to the inhabitants of the Cape 
de Verd Islands^ The captain sent upon this ex- 
pedition had neither perseverance nor skill. He 
departed secretly from Portugal, but was soon in- 
timidated by stormy weather and returned, and 
those who had promoted his voyage afterwards 
ridiculed the designs of Columbus. 

While Columbus resided in Portugal, he married, 
and had a son called Diego. The ungenerous 
treatment he received wounded his noble spirit, and 
having lost his wife, he resolved to quit Portugal, 
and, not discouraged, to seek out the favour of 
some wiser government. Towards the end of 
1484, he departed from liisbon, taking with him 
his son Diego. It is uncertain whither Columbus 
went immediately on his departure from Lisbon. 
Some writers say that he went to his native city of 
Genoa, to solicit aid from that Republic ; others 



S COLUMBUS. 



assert that his visit to Genoa was made to his father, 
and that having made some arrangements for his 
comfort he again repaired to foreign courts. Now 
I will leave Columbus. We will next follow Co-, 
lumbus into Spain. 



CHAPTER IV. 

I PROMISED to return to Columbus on his arrival 
in Spain. I will give you an account of his first 
appearance in that country in the words of his Ame- 
rican Biographer, Mr. Washington Irving, who has 
taken this part of his history from the report of one 
of Columbus's contemporaries, Garcia Fernandez, 
;i physician resident in the little sea-port of Palos 
de Maquez, in Andalusia. *' About half a league 
from that town stood, and stands at the present day, 
an ancient convent of Franciscan friars, dedicated 
to Santa Maria de Rabidad. — A stranger, on foot, 
accompanied by a small boy, stopped one day at the 
gate of the convent, and asked of the porter a little 
bread and water for his child. 

" While receiving this refreshment, the prior of 
the convent. Friar Juan Perez de Marchena, hap- 
pening to pass by, was struck with the appearance 
of the stranger, and observing from his air and 
accent that he was a foreigner, entered into conver- 
sation with him, and soon learnt the particulars of 
his history. That stranger was Columbus, accom- 
panied by his young son Diego. Where he had 
come from does not clearly appear ; that he was in 



COLUMBUS. 37 



destitute circumstances is evident from the mode of 
his wayfaring. He was on his way to the neigh- 
bouring town of Huelon, to seek his brother-in-law, 
who had married a sister of his deceased wife." 

A convent is a house whore religious persons, men 
or women of the Roman Catholic persuasion, reside 
together — men in a house by themselves, and 
women, by themselves. The principal priest, or 
governor of the convent, is sometimes called a 
prior. It is considered the duty of the male residents 
in convents to show kindness and hospitality to 
wayfaring and destitute persons ; so it was quite 
proper, and according to custom, for Columbus, 
when his little boy Diego stood in need of suste- 
nance, to ask it at the gate of a convent. The 
most learned men at that time in Europe were some 
of the priests, or ecclesiastics. 

The good prior of La Rabidad not only read 
and thought much, but had conversed with naviga- 
tors, and loved the science of geography. He was 
delighted with Columbus, persuaded him to remain 
a short time in the convent, and sent for a friend of 
his, the physician Garcia Fernandez, to come and 
converse with his guest. To these persons Colum- 
bus related his misfortunes and his plans — they 
perceived that he was indeed a great man, and that 
the voyage he proposed to make might be of the 
utmost consequence ; therefore, Friar Juan Perez 
gladly assisted him. The prior had a friend, Fer- 
nando de Talevera, who was confessor to Isabella, 
queen of Spain. 

The office of confessor is that of a Roman Cath- 

olio priest, who takes care of the spiritual ivelfare 

of other persons, that is, he instructs them in what 

is right and wrong, and that if they are sorry for 

4 



38 THE QUEEN OF SPAIN. 

their sins God will forgive them. The penitent 
goes to the priest, who hears the man or woman 
relate his or her thoughts; and actions, and then 
gives the person who has confessed, absolution — an 
assurance that his sins are pardoned, and will not 
be punished by God. If you should ask how a 
priest dares to forgive men's sins, I will tell you that 
God promises to forgive those who have done 
wrong, if they are determined to do right in future ; 
and a good priest will only declare this to a true 
penitent, who is a person sincerely sorry for his sins, 
whatever they are, and resolved to amend, or be- 
come better. 

Queen Isabella was a Catholic, and a very pious 
woman : she respected her confessor highly, and he 
could easily persuade her to do what he thought 
would be for the benefit of Spain. In 1486, the 
court, which is a king's family, was fixed at the city 
of Cordova, and thither Columbus repaired, bear- 
ing a letter from Prior Juan Perez to Fernando de 
Talevera. This letter recommended Columbus to 
the confessor, explained his plans, and urged Ta- 
levera to make the king and queen acquainted with 
him and his projects. At the same time Prior Juan 
Perez offered to maintain and educate Diego Co- 
lumbus, so his father left him at La Rabidad, and 
departed for the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. 

You must have read of the Moorish conquest 
of Spain. The Goths established themselves in 
Spain, and were themselves subdued by an irrup- 
tion of the Moors, who remained for seven hundred 
years in the peninsula. The Moors went over to 
Spain from the country of Morocco — they were 
originally Arabs, were an active, ingenious, and 
scientific people, though they were Mahomedans, 



THE MOORS. 39 



They introduced, into Spain the Saracenic archi- 
tecture, and many useful arts ; but during the seven 
centuries of their continuance in Spain, they were 
never sole masters of the country. 

Spain was divided into provinces, several of 
which was governed by its own king ; and in the 
reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, all the provinces 
fell under their government, except the kingdom of 
Granada, to which the Moors retreated, and whence 
the sovereigns of Spain resolved to expel them. — 
Ferdinand and his queen believed that they were 
rendering a service to God in punishing injfidels, 
as the Mahomedans are called by the Catholics. 
When Columbus made his first application for 
assistance to the court of Spain, the sovereigns 
were engaged in a war with the Moors, and had no 
leisure to attend to his petition, nor money to spare 
to fit out a fleet for him. 

Queen Isabella was one of the most lovely and 
virtuous women in the world. She loved her people, 
was truly .religious, and delighted to encourage 
learning, and to reward learned men. Her dispo- 
sition to do good was enough to inspire hope in the 
persevering Columbus. He arrived at Cordova in 
the year 1486, but he could not immediately obtain 
a hearing. The queen's confessor did not consider 
his plan practicable, and paid little attention to him. 
Mr. Irving supposes that the humble garb and low 
fortunes of Columbus made the courtiers regard 
him with contempt, for a Spanish historian said of 
him, " Because he was a stranger, and went but in 
simple apparel, not otherwise credited but by the 
letter of a gray friar, they believed him not, neither 
gave ear to his words." From all his history it 
appears that he was very poor, and it is a melan- 



40 COLU3IBUS AT ST. STEPHEN S. 

choly fact that he was forced to " beg his way from 
court to court, to offer princes the discovery of 
a world." 

In every trial the future discoverer of America 
had confidence in his final success, and though he 
had little encouragement, he remained about the 
court designing maps for support, and making 
himself intimate with great men, who were freely 
admitted to the king and queen. Of these his best 
friend was Mendoza, archbishop of Toledo, and 
grand cardinal of Spain. This prelate was satis- 
fied that Columbus deserved a hearing from the 
sovereigns, and at his request they gave him an 
audience, after which they ordered an assembly of 
learned men to examine his plans, and report their 
opinion of them. This consultation took place in 
the convent of St. Stephen, which belonged to the 
college of Salamanca, and after much discourse 
Columbus was dismissed without any encourage- 
ment, though some candid and generous minds in 
the assembly werie convinced that he had advanced 
a rational theory, and merited aid ; and from that 
time the sovereigns granted money for his main- 
tenance, though they furnished none for liis voy- 
age. 

Columbus continued his suit till 1491, when Fer- 
nando de Talevera was commissioned by the 
sovereigns to inform him that until the war should 
be ended, they could not engage in his enterprise, 
and that they then should interest themselves in 
it. Grieved and disappointed at this delay on the 
part of the king and queen, Columbus hoped that 
the king of France might afford him prompt assist- 
ance, and determined to go to Paris, and present 
himself at court. Previously to his intended de- 



COLUMBUS AT GRENADA. 41 



parture from Spain, he repaired to La Rabidad, in 
order to remove his son JJiego to Cordova, and to 
take leave of Friar Juan Perez. That good priest 
saw with regret his friend return poor and unsuc- 
cessful ; but when he heard the story of his weary- 
attendance and vain solicitation at the court, he 
comforted him ; and, v»'ith the advice of Garcia 
Fernandez, and of Martin Piuzon, a rich citizen of 
Palos, wrote a letter to Queen Isabella, entreating 
her to befriend his undertaking. 

The queen immediately summoned Juan 'Perez 
to her presence, and, as soon as he received her 
command, he mounted his mule, and, journeying 
through the countries lately conquered from the 
Moors, soon arrived at Santa Fe, near Grenada, 
where the queen was with the army. Juan Perez 
easily convinced that beneficent princess of the 
merit of Columbus, and of the possibility that he 
might confer important benefits upon her people. 
No sooner was Isabella persuaded of this, than 
she sent to La Rabidad for Columbus, ordering for 
his use a sum of money, equal to two hundred and 
sixteen dollars at the present time. 

Columbus readily obeyed her majesty. He ar- 
rived at Grenada at the time when the Moors sur- 
rendered their last hold, the city of Grenada, to 
the king and queen. I mention this memorable 
circumstance to you, because it is an important 
date in Spanish history. Mr. Irving has given a 
splendid description of the rejoicings upon this 
occasion. Speaking of Columbus, he says, "He 
beheld Boabdil, the last of the Moorish kings, 
sally forth from the Alhambra, and yield up the 
keys of that favourite seat of the Moorish power, 
while the king and queen, with all the chivalrv, and 
4* 



42 SUniiENDER OF THE MOORS. 



rank and magnificence of Spain, moved forward 
in proud and solemn procession, to receive this 
token of submission. 

" It was one of the most brilliant triumphs in 
Spanish history. After near eight hundred years 
of painful struggle, the crescent was completely 
cast down, the cross exalted in its place, and the 
standard of Spain was seen floating on the highest 
tower of the Alhambra. The whole court and 
army was abandoned to jubilee. The air resounded 
with shouts of joy, with songs of triumph, and 
hymns of thanksgiving. On every side were be- 
held military rejoicings and religious oblations. 
The king and queen moved in the midst, in more 
than common magnificence, while every eye re- 
garded them as more than mortal. The court was 
thronged with the most illustrious of that warlike 
country ; by the flower of its nobility ; by the most 
dignified of its prelacy ; by bards and minstrels. 
There was nothing but the glittering of arms, the 
rustling of robes, the sound of music, and fes- 
tivity." 

I suppose you understand, that to cast down the 
crescent and exalt the cross^ is a figurative expres- 
sion, which signifies, that when the crescent, the 
badge or sign of the Mahomedan religion, was re- 
moved, and the cross put in its place, the followers 
of Mahomet were expelled, and the Christian re- 
ligion, which is indicated by the sign of the cross, 
became triumphant. ^ This is quite plain, dear aunt, 
I think I hear you say, but when will Columbus get 
to sea, if we stop so long with the conquerors of 
the Moors ? We must leave them in possession 
of their Moorish palace, the Alhambra, and all the 
fine buildings which the Moors left behind them ia 



GENEROSITY OF ISABELLA. 43 

Spain, and follow our noble Genoese over the wide 
ocean. 

Isabella was now at leisure to listen with atten- 
tion to Columbus, but at first she was not so liberal 
as he desired. He proposed to be made admiral 
and viceroy of the coimtries he should discover, 
and to take for his own, one tenth of the riches he 
might gain, giving the rest to the king's disposal. 
The office of viceroy is that of a civil governor, 
who has the authority of a king in some province 
belonging to an absent prince. Isabella for a 
while thought Columbus demanded too much, but 
he would yield nothing, and Luis St. Angel, one 
of his friends, pleaded in his behalf. The high- 
minded Isabella did not long hesitate, but having 
disposed of all the money she could command to 
defray the expenses of the last war, she offered to 
pledge her jewels to procure funds for the use of 
Columbus. St. Angel assured her that this was 
not necessary, as he would supply the money, and 
the queen accepted his offer. Three thousand 
crowns was the sum needed, besides two vessels. 

All that Columbus had asked was granted by the 
king and queen, though their subjects were unwil- 
ling to furnish vessels, or to engage with Columbus 
as mariners. The commission, or writing which em- 
powered Columbus to commence his operations, was 
dated at Grenada, April 30th, 1492, and signed by 
Ferdinand and Isabella. Columbus added a third 
vessel, which the Pinzons, rich men of Palos, ena- 
bled him to do, and on this account he was to have 
one eighth of the profits of his voyage. The queen, 
as a particular mark of respect to Columbus, ap- 
pointed his son Diego page to her son. Prince Juan, 
with an allowance of money for his support. For 



44 DEPARTURE FROM SPAIN. 

eighteen years Coliimbus had persevered under 
every discouragement, and though he was now fifty- 
six years old, he joyfully entered upon the grandest 
undertaking ever devised by man. 

I will soon commence the detail of his voyage, 
and you will be interested with his success as much 
as you have been in his prolonged anxieties and 
mortifications. 



-^ »»>© ® ©«♦(««— 



CHAPTER V. 

To resume the history of Columbus. On Fri- 
day, the 3d of August, 1492, he set sail on his first 
voyage of discovery. His largest ship, the Santa 
Maria, v/as commanded by the admiral. The se- 
cond, thePinta, was commanded by Alonzo Martin 
Pinzon, and the third, the Nina, by his brother, Vin- 
cente Yanez Pinzon. The whole number of ofti- 
cers, adventurers and m-ariners, on board these 
ships, was a hundred and twenty. The squadron 
being ready for sea. Columbus and the men under 
his command solemnly committed themselves to 
divine Providence, and departed from Palos with 
the prayers and blessings of their friends and rela- 
tives. You must remember that their return was 
much more doubtful than a voyage of discovery 
undertaken at the present time, for the ships were 
not larger than the vessels which navigate our rivers, 
and the most distressing fears agitated the hearts of 
those who saw their friends embark upon an un- 
known and boundless ocean. 



PEAK OF TENERIFFE. 45 

In nine days Columbus reached the Canaries, 
and sailing among these islands his ship passed the 
famous Peak of TenerifTe, which " was sending 
out volumes of flame and smoke." The ignorant 
sailors considered this as a " disastrous portent," 
or bad sign^ as we sometimes say. The admiral 
took pains to relieve their false and superstitious 
fears, by instructing them that this volcano resem- 
bled Mount Etna and other volcanoes, and intima- 
ted no misfortune to them. The fleet had been 
detained for the repair of one of the ships, the 
Pinta, three weeks at the island of Gomera, and it 
was not till five weeks after the departure from 
Spain that they lost sight of the Island of Ferro, 
one of the Canaries. At this moment the courage 
of the crew failed. They seemed to have departed 
from the known world, from those they loved, and 
from all familiar things : they despaired of ever 
again seeing their homes, and while some melted 
into tears, others broke out into loud lamentations. 

Now I must tell you that Columbus rather ex- 
pected to find a short way to Asia than to discover 
a new continent. One Marco Polo, a Venetian 
traveller, had written an account of his travels in 
Tartary and Eastern Asia, and had conjectured 
that an island of the Japanese empire, which he 
called Cipango, extended much farther to the east 
than any island of Japan really does extend ; and 
he had given splendid accounts of the riches of these 
Asiatic countries. Columbus, therefore, expected 
to approach them by keeping a westerly course from 
Europe ; he also expected that he should partici- 
pate in their treasures of gold and silver, and that 
for " this meat that perisheth," as the scripture calls 
riches, he should give them the knowledge of the 



46 , SIGNS or LAND, 



Christian religion, which then existed in the Roman 
Catholic faith. 

To calm and comfort his terrified sailors, " He 
described to them the magnificent countries to 
which he was about to conduct them ; the islands 
of the Indian seas teeming with gold and precious 
stones ; the regions of Mangi and Cathay, with 
their cities of unrivalled wealth and splendour." 
Nor were these promises made only to encourage 
his crew ; " Columbus," says Mr. Irving, *' cer- 
tainly believed that he should realize them all." 
By the middle of September, still keeping a 
westerly course, they met masses of floating ve- 
getables. Some of these weeds were such as grov/ 
about rocks, others such as are produced m rivers. 
This was naturally considered as a proof that land 
lay not far distant ; and, besides these appearances, 
'* They saw also a white tropical bird, of a kind 
which never sleeps upon the sea." A delicious 
atmosphere, soft, temperate, and refreshing, per- 
vaded the waters over which they were now gently 
but speedily wafted. 

On the 18th of September a steady breeze 
from the east filled every sail, while, to use the 
words of Columbus, "the sea was as calm as 
the Guadalquiver at Seville." Alonzo Pinzon on 
that day imagined that he descried distant land at 
the north ; but Columbus did not believe in the 
appearance, and in despite of the wishes of those 
under his command, to steer in that direction, he 
persevered in the westward course. Still a vast 
sea expanded itself without limits. The sailors 
began to despair of reaching the land, and to com- 
plain loudly of their wretched lot, which they be- 
lieved would be to perish in these " shoreless wa- 



DESPAIR OF THE SAILORS. 47 

ters," as they considered them ; but their com- 
mander, trusting that God had appointed and re- 
served him for a great work, ever cherished hopes 
which raised him above such melancholy antici- 
pations. The disaffected sailors, in their despair 
of ever returning to Spain, resolved, if the admiral 
should refuse to return, that they would throw him 
into the sea, and then steer for Spain, where they 
would represent that Columbus had accidentally 
fallen overboard. " Columbus was not ignorant 
of these mutinous intentions ; but he kept a serene 
and steady countenance, soothing some with gentle 
words, and menacing the most refractory with sig- 
nal punishment." A pension of thirty crowns had 
been offered by the Spanish government, to him 
who should first discover land, and many reports of 
" land ! land !" claimed, without deserving that 
reward. 

On the 17th of October Columbus had sailed 
seven hundred and fifty-six leagues westward of 
the Canaries, and was arrivefd at the distance at 
which he expected to find the ideal Cipango, but 
no land was discernable ; and, to gratify his fol- 
lowers, he bent his course farther south. " It is 
worthy of remark," says Mr. Irving, " that on 
the evening of the seventh of October, before Co- 
lumbus changed his course to the southwest, he 
was, according to modern calculators, sailing along 
the twenty-sixth degree of north latitude, nearly 
due west. This would have taken him, by the in- 
fluence of the gulf stream, to the eastern coast of 
Florida. The whole course of Spanish discovery 
might have taken a direction, along the Atlantic 
shores of North America, and a Spanish popula- 



48 FEARS E,EL1LVED. 

tion have been given to the present territories of 
the United States." 

On Thursday, October 11th, revolt was silent — 
mute messengers from land announced that a haven 
for the weary mariners was near ; a branch of thorn, 
with berries on it, and recently separated from a 
tree, a reed, a small board, a staff, artificially car- 
ved, floated towards them, and all said, we come 
from the surface of the earth, we are made for the 
convenience of man — his habitations are near. His 
food, and the vv'ork of his hands, invite you to for- 
get all fear, to proceed to his dwelling place, and to 
partake of his comforts. 

These objects relieved the minds of the anx- 
ious crew, and they now eagerly watched for the 
first sight of the desired shore. I cannot describe 
to you the joyful event of the discovery in any 
language more plain, and in none so beautiful, as 
Mr. Irving's. I will, then, give you parts of his 
narrative. 

*' In the evening, when, according to invariable 
custom on board of the admiral's ship, the mari- 
ner's had sung the Salve Regina, or vesper hymn 
to the Virgin, he made an impressive address to 
his crew. He pointed out the goodness of God 
in thus conducting them by such soft and favour- 
ing breezes across a tranquil ocean ; cheering their 
hopes continually with fresh signs ; thus leading 
and guiding them to a promised land. He thought 
it probable, they should make land that very night ; 
he ordered therefore, a vigilant look out to be kept, 
promising, to whomsoever should make the dis- 
covery, a doublet of velvet, in addition to the pen- 
sion to be given by the sovereigns." 

During this day they made great proi^rcss, the 



THE DISCOVERY. 49 



Pinta taking the lead, on account of her sailing 
more rapidly than the other vessels. The crew 
were too happy for sleep at night, and the admiral 
was constantly on the watch. About ten o'clock, 
he thought he beheld a light at a great distance. — 
He called two gentlemen to look in the same direc- 
tion, and they also perceived the light — again and 
again it appeared and disappeared, " as if it were a 
torch in the bark of a fisherman, rising and sinking 
with the waves ; or, in the hand of some person on 
shore, borne up and down as he walked from house 
to house." At two in the morning, the Pinta fired 
a gun, the joyful signal of land. It was first de- 
scried by a mariner, named Roderiquez de Frianon ; 
but the reward was afterward bestowed upon the 
admiral, who had before perceived the light. 

From that hour, to the dawn of day, the admi- 
ral's thoughts must have been employed in conjec- 
tures concerning this new region. The moving 
light had shown, that it was the residence of man. 
*' But what were its inhabitants 1 Were they like 
those of the other parts of the globe 'i Had he 
come upon some wild island of the Indian Sea, or 
was this the famed Cipango itself 1" Would morn- 
ing display a savage wilderness, or the spires of 
some busy and populous city ? Daylight revealed 
a beautiful and interesting scene. But I will leave 
that for another chapter, and finish this by repeating 
a description of the discovery in the verses of Mr. 
Rogers, who wrote a poem called the *' Voyage of 
Columbus." 

" The sails were furl'd ; with many a melting close 
Solemn and slow the evening anthem rose, 
Rose to the Virgin. 'Twas the hour of day, 
When setting suns o'er summer seas display 

■ 5 



50 THE LANDING. 



A path of glory opening in the west 

To golden climes, and islands of the blest, 

And human voices, on the silent air, 

Went o'er the waves in songs of gladness there ! 

" Chosen of men ! 'twas thine at noon of night, 
First from the prow to hail the glimmering Hght. 
• Pedro ! Rodrigo ! there, mothought it shone ! 
There, in the west ! and now, alas, 'tis gone ! 
'Twas all a dream ! we gaze and gaze in vain ! 
But, mark and speak not, there, it comes again ! 
It moves ! what form unseen, what being there, 
With torch-like lustre fires the murky air ! 
His instincts, passions, say, how like our own ! 
Oh ! when will day reveal a world unknown V *' 






CHAPTER VI. 

The island on which Columbus first landed was 
one of the cluster now called the Bahamas, which 
extended northwest and southeast from the coast of 
Florida to Hispaniola. The natives called it 
Guanahani. It now bears the name, which the 
admiral gave it, San Salvador. On the morning 
of Friday, 12th October, 1492, this island first 
presented itself to the eyes of Europeans. The 
view of it was beautiful, the level surface of the 
ground being covered with herbage of the freshest 
green, overshadowed with stately trees. There 
was no appearance upon the soil of much cultiva- 
tion, but it evidently aflTorded sustenance to man, 
for multitudes were seen running from the woods 
to the shore, and gazing mth wonder at the ships. 



OATH OP ALLEGIANCE. 61 

These people were all naked, and exhibited the 
utmost astonishment at the objects before them. 

Columbus caused his ships to cast anchor, and 
filled the boats with armed men. A boat belong- 
ing to each of the vessels, was commanded by the 
respective captains. These boats bore a banner 
on which was emblazoned a green cross, having on 
each side the initials F. and Y. surmounted by a 
crown. These were to indicate the names of the 
king and queen of Spain, Ferdinand and Ysabel. 
Columbus, in his own boat, took the lead — the rich- 
ness of his dress, and the dignity of his manner, 
pointed him out as the chief. 

The devout heart of the admiral, always penetra- 
ted with the majesty and goodness of God, was at 
this moment exalted by the highest emotions of gra- 
titude. The moment he had set his foot upon the 
land he threw himself upon his knees, kissed the 
earth, and with uplifted eyes and hands returned 
thanks to the divine Being. Those who surrounded 
him followed his example. After this expression of 
thankfulness, Columbus displayed the royal standard 
of Spain, and taking solemn possession in the name 
of the Spanish sovereigns, named the island, San 
Salvador. Upon the conclusion of this ceremony 
he called upon all present to take the oath of alle- 
giance to him, as admiral and viceroy, representing 
the persons of the sovereigns. 

You may not exactly understand the oath of alk' 
giance. — It is a solemn vow made to God, by the 
subject of a monarchy, to honour and defend the 
monarch's person and authority, and to obey all 
laws of the realm or kingdom under the govern- 
ment of the monarch mentioned. It is required 
to take this oath when men enter into new offices^ 



52 NATIVES OF THE BAHAMAS. 

and duties of a public nature. To represent a king's 
'person is for a man to command others as a king 
would do if he were present. In a republic no oath 
of allegiance to a king can be enforced, but in many 
cases the citizens of a state are required to swear 
that they acknowledge and will defend the constitu- 
tion or laws. 

The followers of Columbus, who had considered 
him as their betrayer, now regarded him as the be- 
stower of riches and honours ; and while some 
acknowledged their faults, begging the admiral's 
pardon for the trouble they had given him, others 
promised obedience in future, and asked favours as 
if he already possessed the treasures which they 
presumed might be found in the new world. 

It is curious to read the account which Mr. Irving 
gives of the astonishment of the natives of San 
Salvador at the sight of the strangers. The ships 
were different from any object they had ever seen. 
Their little canoes had no sails, and could contain 
only a few men. The Spanish vessels were sup- 
posed by the natives to be monsters of the ocean, 
of which the sails were wings. The wonder of 
the natives became terror, when they clearly saw 
the men on board — some dressed in bright colours, 
and others in glittering steel — which you will re- 
member was the armour then worn by distinguished 
officers. Perceiving those figures to resemble 
human beings, but of a colour and deportment 
which they had never seen, they fled affrighted, and 
hid themselves in the woods. 

As the white men did not pursue nor attempt to 
injure them, the savages returned to the coast, but 
with awe and reverence toward the strangers, pros- 
trating themselves before them, and making signs of 



THEIR PERSONS AND ARMS. 53 

worship. The notion, that Europeans were supe- 
rior beings, descended from heaven, was for a long 
time entertained by the aboris^ines of America. 
Columbus, at the period you are now reading of, 
was the chief object of their homage. His appear- 
ance, and the respect paid to him by his followers, 
commanded more admiration from them than any 
other individual. The admiral, on his part, was in- 
terested by their simplicity, their growing confi- 
dence, and their curiosity ; and he suffered them to 
approach and examine the persons who appeared to 
them at once so formidable and attractive. 

The Spaniards were equally curious concerning 
the Indians, as all the natives of the iVmerican con- 
tinent and islands have since been called. You re- 
collect that Columbus was in search of India, and 
presumed that the first land which he found was part 
of the eastern continent— then generally called 
India by the people of Europe. Believing thus, 
the Spaniards, properly enough, gave the name In- 
dians to the natives of the whole western world. 

The Indians exhibited nothing to induce the 
Spaniards to believe that they possessed any wealth. 
They were naked, and painted with various col- 
ours. Their skin is usually described as copper 
coloured, and their hair straight and black ; more, 
says a writer who has described them, like a horse's 
mane, than any other thing. Their hair was long, 
hanging over their shoulders. " Their features, 
though obscured and disfigured by paint, were 
agreeable ; they had lofty foreheads, and remark- 
ably fine eyes. They were of a moderate stature, 
and well shaped." 

These islanders were gentle in their demeanour, 
and exhibited kind, benevolent dispositions. Their 
5* 



54 FOOD AND ORNAMENTS. 

only arms were spears or lances, with a sharp flmt, 
tooth, or fish bone, inserted at one end. They had 
no iron among them, and were so ignorant of its 
properties, that they took a sword by the edge. — 
They were delighted with glass beads, and similar 
trifles. The Portuguese navigators had found the 
negroes of Africa fond of such baubles, and Co- 
lumbus was provided with them. He readily dis- 
tributed them among the Indians, who hung them 
about their necks, and considered them of super- 
natural value^ as the gift of their heaven-descended 
visiters. 

In return, the Indians presented to the white 
men balls of cotton yarn, parrots, and cassava 
bread. This cassava bread was prepared from a 
root called Yuca, which grows in the West Indies. 
The admiral, afterwards, with the boats of the ships, 
coasted the island, passing several villages, whose 
inhabitants exhibited the same admiration for white 
men, which their countrymen at first expressed. 
The island, though sufficiently productive to supply 
the wants of the natives, contained nothing of 
value to the discoverers. Columbus, therefore, 
after having taken in wood and water, set sail in 
prosecution of further discoveries, carrying seven 
of the natives, who were to be taught the Spanish 
language, and to serve as interpreters between the 
Spaniards, and such natives of the regions they 
might discover, as should be acquainted with the 
speech of these Indians. 

Gold was the principal thing which the Spaniards 
were desirous to find. But, in search of this pre- 
cious metal, they explored the Bahama islands in 
vain. The natives adorned their persons with small 
pieces of unwrought gold, which they willingly ex- 



GENEROSITY OF THE SAVAGES. 55 

changed for toys and glass trinkets, but the Span- 
iards wished for mines. They understood, by signs 
made by the natives, that it abounded in a country 
which lay to the south. In consequence of this in- 
formation, Columbus steered from the Bahamas in 
the direction which had been pointed out. Though 
these islands were destitute of gold, they were the 
abode of innocent and happy people, and afforded 
all the pleasures and comforts of a delicious cli- 
mate, and a soil producing the necessaries of life, 
with abundance of fruits, flowers, and beautiful 
tropical birds. 

The inhabitants of all the islands felt the same 
reverence for the Spaniards, and freely gave them 
whatever they possessed. " When the Spaniards 
landed in search of water, they took them to the 
coolest springs, the sweetest and freshest runs, fill- 
ing their casks, rolling them to the boats, and seek- 
ing, in every way, to gratify their celestial visiters." 
These favours were conferred with the purest gen- 
erosity, but the avaricious Spaniards were continu- 
ally disappointed by want of gold. Columbus was 
sensible that these poor people deserved the same 
kindness themselves which they showed to others, 
and he uniformly treated them with the utmost 
benevolence. Mr. Irving relates two instances, in 
particular, of the admiral's goodness to them. 

When Columbus was about to depart from the 
second island at which he touched, one of the na- 
tives, who was on board of the Nina, perceiving 
the strangers were taking him far from his home, 
threw himself into the water, and swam to a canoe 
filled with Indians. The boat of the Nina pursued 
the fugitive ; the Indians rowed their light canoe 
with such velocity, that they reached the shore, and 



56 GENEROSITY OF THE ADMIRAL. 

fled to the woods, leaving the canoe to their pursu- 
ers. Soon after, a small canoe, with a single In- 
dian in it, approached one of the ships, offering a 
ball of cotton in exchange for hawk's bells. As 
he came near the vessel, he manifested some fear 
of the Spaniards, and several sailors threw them- 
selves into the sea, and made him prisoner. The 
admiral saw the whole proceeding, and ordered the 
Indian to be brought to him. The poor man was 
led trembling towards him, and offered him the ball 
of cotton. 

" The admiral received him with the utmost be- 
nignity, and, declining his offering, put a coloured 
cap on his head, strings of green beads around his 
arms, and hawk's bells in his ears ; then ordering 
him and his ball of cotton to be replaced in the 
canoe, dismissed him astonished and overjoyed. 
He ordered that the other canoe, also, which was 
fastened to the Nina, should be cast loose to be 
regained by its proprietors. When the Indians 
reached the shore, Columbus could see his country- 
men thronging round him, examining his finery, and 
listening to his account of the kind treatment he 
had experienced." 

To the second island which Columbus disco- 
vered, he gave the name of Santa Maria de la Con- 
ception. The third, at present Exuma, he named in 
honour of the king of Spain, Fernandina. I will 
give you, in Mr. Irving's words, the other instance 
mentioned of Columbus's friendly treatment of the 
islanders. As he was sailing from Conception to 
Fernandina, about midway, " they overtook a single 
Indian in a canoe. He had a mere morsel of cas- 
sava bread, and a calabash of water for his sea 
stores, and a little red paint, like dragon's blood. 



ISLAND OP FERNANDINA. 67 

for his personal decoration when he should land. 
They found, also, a string of glass beads upon him, 
such as they had given to the natives of San Sal- 
vador, which showed that he had come from thence, 
and was probably then passing from island to 
island, to give notice of the arrival of the ships. 
Columbus admired the hardihood of this simple 
navigator, making such an extensive voyage in so 
frail a bark. A.s the island was still distant, he or- 
dered that the Indian and his canoe should be taken 
on board, where he treated him with the greatest 
kindness, giving him bread and honey to eat, and 
wine to drink." When the ships had nearly reached 
Fernandina, the Indian voyager's canoe was let 
down to the sea, his little treasure restored, and he 
sent joyfully to the shore to acquaint the islanders 
of the approach of the ships. 

' *' It was then too dark for the vessel to make the 
shore ; but the next day the report of the Indian 
who had been sent to the island, was found to have 
inspired its inhabitants with cordiality and confi- 
dence toward the Spaniards. They surrounded the 
ship- bringing fruits, and roots, and pure water from 
the springs," The inhabitants of the other islands 
appeared without clothing. The females of Fer- 
nandina were attired in scant garments of cotton. 
" Their habitations were very simple, being in the 
form of a pavilion or high circular tent, constructed 
of branches of trees, of reeds and palm leaves. 
They were kept very clean and neat, and sheltered 
under beautiful and spreading trees. For beds, 
they had nets of cotton, extending from two posts, 
which they called hamacs." Sailors' beds on board 
ships are constructed in this manner, and they are 
called by this Indian name. 



58 ISLAND OF ISABELLA. 

The next island of the Bahama cluster which 
Columbus discovered, he called for his royal pa- 
troness, Isabella. Before they departed from Fer- 
nandina, the Spaniards understood from signs 
made by the Indians, that in the island to which 
they intended to steer, there " was a mine of gold, 
and a king who dwelt in a large city and possessed 
great treasures, wearing rich clothing, and jewels 
of gold, and being sovereign of all the surrounding 
islands. They found the island, but neither the 
monarch nor the mine." Isabella resembled the 
other islands in its climate and productions, but 
Columbus esteemed it to be the most delightful off 
them all. 

No animals were seen in these islands except I 
lizards, dumb dogs, the coney, a kind of rabbit, and i 
guanas, a species of harmless snake, which the 
Indians were accustomed to eat. The Spaniards' 
thirst for gold was not yet gratified. In answer to 
all inquiries concerning this metal, the natives still I 
pointed south, and mentioned Cuba as the place 
which afforded it. Towards Cuba, then, the ad- 
miral directed his course. We will now leave the ■ 
Bahamas. 



CUBA. 59 



CHAPTER VII, 

Columbus now only made himself acquainted 
with the eastern part of that island ; and, as he 
never explored the whole of it, he always presumed 
that it was the eastern extremity of a continent. 
Cuba was its Indian name. It was not ascertained 
to be an island till 1508, when a captain named Se- 
bastian sailed round it. Three years after the 
Spaniards settled at the port, since called St. Jago, 
I and established themselves as masters of Cuba, 
which they have ever since retained. 

Steering southwest three days from Isabella, on 
the 28th of October Columbus reached Cuba, land- 
ed and took possession of the country, and gave it 
the name of Juana, in honour of Prince Juan. In 
succeeding times it has been known by the original 
name. On the arrival of the ships two canoes put 
off from the shore: but when the islanders saw 
some of the Spaniards approaching in a small boat, 
j they retreated through fear, and concealed them- 
i selves. After the ceremony of taking possession 
j was finished, the admiral entered two cabins which 
had been abandoned by their affrighted inmates. 
They contained but few articles : — Nets made of 
the fibres of the palm tree, fishing hooks, and har- 
poons of bone, and one of that species of dog that 
never barks. You perceive that this faithful ani- 
mal is the constant companion of man both in his 
wild and cultivated state, and is, in all countries 
that you read of, the sharer of his toils and his com- 
forts. 

Mr. Irving's description of the climate and na- 
' tural productions of Cuba, is taken from the report 



60 BIRDS AND INSECTS. 

r ' " ' -— ta 

of Columbus, who kept a journal of all that he saw 
and felt for the information of the king and queea 
of Spain. Whenever you can understand the style 
of Mr. Irving, I choose to make you acquainted, 
with it, for its grace and elegance ; so I will give 
you his words in that description. Of Cuba he 
says, " The verdure of the groves and the colour 
of the flowers, derive a vividness to the eye from 
the transparent purity of the air, and the deep se- 
renity of the azure heavens. The forests, too, are 
full of life, swarming with birds of brilliant plu- 
mage. Painted varieties of parrots and wood- 
peckers create a glitter amidst the verdure of the 
grove, and humming birds rove from flower to flow- 
er, resembling as has been well said, animated par- 
ticles of a rainbow. The scarlet flamingoes, seen ; 
sometimes through an opening of a forest, in a dis- 
tant savannah, have the appearance of soldiers drawn , 
up in battalion, with an advanced scout on the alert.^ I 
to give notice of approaching danger. Nor is the •' 
least beautiful part of animated nature the various j 
tribes of insects that people every plant, displaying f 
brilliant coats of mail, which sparkle to the eye like I 
precious gems."* 

It is asserted by other writers, that the insects of 
these tropical countries, are so exceedingly lustrous, 
that they diffuse light to a considerable distance ; 
and it is said that these living gems serve for orna- « 
ments to the ladies of Havana, who wear them on j 
their hair, on festal occasions. They exhibit the i 
colours and brilliancy of rubies, sapphires and dia- 
monds. 

Columbus now believed that he had arrived at 
Cipango, and resolved to pursue a western course. 
* See Abbott's letters from Cuba. 



INDIAN VILLAGES. 61 

till he should reach the magnificent city of its king, 
concerning whom Marco Polo had written. In the 
course of his voyage, he landed at several places and 
visited the nearest villages. " The houses were 
neatly built of branches of palm trees, in the shape 
of pavilions ; not laid out in any regular streets, but 
scattered here and there, among the groves, and un- 
der the shade of broad spreading trees, like tents in 
: a camp ; as is still the case in many of the Spanish 
settlements, and in the villages of the interior of 
Cuba. At sight of the strangers, the inhabitants fled 
to the mountains, or hid themselves in the woods. 
The houses were better built than those the Spaniards 
had hitherto seen, and kept extremely clean. They 
found in them rude statues and wooden masks, 
carved with considerable ingenuity." 

Three Indians, natives of San Salvador, who 
jwere on board of the Pinta, informed Pinzon, the 
I commander, that four days' journey from the place 
in which they were, was a place called Cubanacan, 
which abounded in gold. Pinzon thought they spoke 
of Cublai Khan, a Tartar prince mentioned by Mar- 
co Polo. He also understood them that Cuba was 
not an island, but part of a continent, extending to a 
vast distance north, and that the king who reigned in 
this vicinity, was at war with the khan of Tartary. 
Upon receiving this misconceived information, Co- 
lumbus ceased to believe himself in Cipango, but be- 
heved he was at the eastern extremity of the grand 
khan's dominions. He therefore resolved to send an 
embassy to the king, with a present, and to despatch 
men in search of the gold. 

On the first of November, he sent some of the 
Spaniards on shore, to visit the natives, but they in- 
stantly concealed themselves through fear. Colum- 
6 



62 THE INTERPRETER. 

■' ■ ' ■ ■ ■ — » 

bus then ordered one of the Indians, whom he had 
brought with him, to assure the natives of his peace- 
able intentions, and he succeeded in gaining their 
confidence. Before night, sixteen canoes surrounded 
the ships, bringing cotton yarn, and other articles, 
from the islanders ; but among them there was no 
gold. 

Columbus, anxious to know more of the country, 
sent two Spaniards, Rodrigo de Jerez and Luis de 
Torris, accompanied by two Indian guides, into the 
interior, upon an embassy to the imaginary king. 
They were furnished with strings of beads, and other 
trinkets. On the 6th of November, Jerez and his 
companions returned, and every one crowded about 
them to hear tidings of their adventure. It was no 
more than this» After travelling thirty six miles they 
came to a village containing about a thousand inhabit- 
ants. The strangers were received with solemnity, 
and conducted to the best house. When they were 
refreshed by food and rest, the natives requested to 
know what they had to say, and the Bahama, or Lu- . 
cayan Indian served them for an interpreter. 

" He made a regular speech after the Indian man- 
ner, in which he extolled the power, wealth, and mu- 
nificence of the white men. When he had finished, 
the Indians crowded round these wonderful beings, 
whom, as usual, they considered more than human ; 
some touched them, examining their skins and rai- 
ment ; others kissed their hands and feet in token of 
submission, or adoration. In a little while the men 
withdrew, and were succeeded by the women, and 
the same ceremonies were repeated. Some of the 
women had a slight covering of netted cotton round 
the middle ; but most of the inhabitants, of botli 
sexes were entirely naked." 



POTATO AND TOBACCO. 63 

Neither king nor gold was to be found ; the en- 
voys, therefore, proposed to return. The natives 
urged them to remain among them for a few days ; 
but seeing the Spaniards resolved to quit them, they 
were anxious to go along with them, fancying they 
came from heaven, and would conduct them thither. 
They took with them only one of the chief men, at- 
tended by his son and a servant. I should have told 
you, that a few days before this, Columbus, or some 
of his followers had found the potato^ until that time 
unknown to Europeans, but a more valuable acqui- 
sition than that fatal gold which they so ardently co- 
veted. The envoys, as they returned to the ships, 
first saw the plant now called tobacco. The natives 
made rolls of it, in a dry state, like cigars, and smo- 
ked them. The rolls were called tobacco, from 
which the whole plant has received its name. You 
know that men of Europe, and the United States, 
have adopted the Indian fashion of smoking this 
plant in a dry state- 

The return of the envoys undeceived Columbus 
in respect to the king and the treasures of the coun- 
try ; but while they were gone the Indians informed 
the admiral, by signs, of a place to the eastward, 
wh^re the people found gold on the banks of a river, 
and wrought it into bars with hammers. Columbus 
understood the Indians to call this place Babeque. 
He now became anxious to return to Spain ; and, if 
possible to cany with him some productions of the 
new world, more valuable than any he had found. 
He did not know that a new hemisphere for Euro- 
peans to inhabit, with a delicious climate, a fertile 
soil, and abundance of vegetables, suitable for food 
and manufactures, was a better gift to them than all 
+he gold and gems of the earth. 



64 HAYTI. 



The ships now lay at anchor at the mouth of a rivei 
called at present Savannah le Mar. When he departed 
from this place he took with him several native men 
and women, with the intention of carrying them to 
Spain, where they were to be instructed in the Span- 
ish language, and in the doctrines of the Catholic 
faith. From the 1 2th of November to the 5th of De- 
cember, Columbus, with some delays and interrup- 
tions, proceeded from the river to the eastern ex- 
tremity of Cuba. While he was at this place, and 
deliberating what course to take, land was descried 
on the southeast. It proved to be Hayti, afterwards 
Hispaniola. 

I have omitted to mention to you that once in this 
voyage, when the wind was blowing directly against 
him, and Columbus would have ordered the ships 
back again to Cuba, he discovered that Pinzon had 
abandoned him. Pinzon had heard from the Indians 
of a region at the east abounding in gold, and he re- 
solved to go in search of it, and to take as much as 
he could find for himself The Pinta was the fastest 
sailer, and all pursuit of her was useless, so Colum- 
bus retained only the Santa Maria, and the Nina un- 
der his command. 

In the evening of the 6th of December, Columbus 
entered a spacious harbour at the western extremity 
of Hayti, which he called St. Nicholas, the name it 
still bears. After remaining here two days, he coast- 
ed along the northern side of the island, which from 
the resemblance it bore to Spain, the admiral named 
Hispaniola. Wherever they stopped, the natives fled. 
The country appeared to be populous and cultivated. 

On the 12th of December, at a place which Co- 
lumbus called Port Conception, he erected a cross, 
the sign of the Catholic faith, and of the authority 



ADVENTURE OF SAILORS. 63 

of the king of Spain. " As three sailors were ram- 
bling about the vicinity, they beheld a large number 
of the natives, who immediately took to flight ; but 
the sailors pursued them, and with great difficulty suc- 
ceeded in overtaking a young and beautiful female. 
They brought their wild beauty in triumph to the 
ships. She was perfectly naked — but an ornament 
of gold which she wore in her nose gave hopes that 
the precious metals were to be found in the island. 
The admiral soon soothed her terrors by his kind- 
ness. He had her clothed, and made her presents 
of beads, brass rings, and other trinkets, and sent 
her on shore, accompanied by several of the crew, 
and three of the Indian interpreters." So pleased 
was the woman with this kind treatment that she 
would gladly have remained with the Indian woman 
on board the ships. 

The woman's village was eighteen miles from the 
shore ; and, on the next day after she had been 
brought on board, Columbus despatched nine well 
armed men to obtain some intelligence from it. An 
interpreter accompanied them. The natives disco- 
vered the utmost alarm at the sight of the white men, 
and many fled and concealed themselves ; but the 
interpreter quieted those who remained, by the assur- 
ance that the strangers came from the skies, and went 
about the world making beautiful presents. Getting 
intelligence of this, the natives returned, and, to the 
number of two thousand, approached the Spaniards, 
with their hands on their heads in token of respect. 
While the Spaniards were conversing with them, an- 
other company came up, bearing on their shoulders 
the woman who had been entertained on board the 
ship, attended by her husband. 

Thev invited the Spaniards to their village, which 
6* 



66 CONDITION OF THE ISLANDERS. 

contained two thousand houses. There they set 
before them roots, fruit, cassava bread, and fish ; 
offering them parrots, and part of whatever they 
possessed. At this time this simple people appear 
to have enjoyed every blessing which liberty and a 
beautiful and productive country can afford ; at a 
subsequent period they were deprived of all, by 
their rapacious conquerors. Their amiable dispo- 
sitions, and the happy state they were in, previously 
to this unfortunate change, are thus represented by 
Columbus, in a letter to his friend Luis de St. An- 
gel. *' True it is," he observes '' that after they 
felt confidence, and lost their fear of us, they were 
so liberal with what they possessed, that it would 
not be believed by those who had not seen it. If 
any thing was asked of them they never said no ; 
but rather gave it cheerfully, and showed as much 
amity as if they gave their very hearts ; and whether 
the thing were of value or of little price, they were 
content with whatever was given in return. In all 
these islands it appears to me that the men are all 
content with one wife, but they give twenty to their 
chieftain or king." 

An old writer, Peter Martyr, who resided as a 
Catholic missionary to the Indians in the West In- 
dies, describes them in similar terms. " They are 
content," says he " with so little, that in so large a 
country they have rather superfluity than scarce- 
ness ; so that they seem to live in the golden world, 
without toil, living in open gardens not entrenched 
with dykes, divided with hedges, or defended with 
walls. They deal truly one with another, without 
laws, without books, and without judges. They 
take him for an evil and mischievous man, who 
taketh pleasure in doing hurt to another." — The 



TWO RACES OF INDIANS. 67 

government of these innocent people was what is 
termed the patriarchal. Their princes or kings were 
called caciques. 

The West India islands were at that time inhabited 
by two very distinct races. The mild, confidino-, 
generous character, which Columbus and Peter Mar- 
tyr gave to one of them, does not apply to the other. 
The natives of the larger islands appear to have been 
amiable and benevolent ; while those of some of the 
other islands, the Caribs, are memorable for their 
ferocity, their warlike habits, and the horrid practice 
of cannibalism. 

I think you must now have become interested in 
the fate of the poor Indians, and the further successes 
of the discoverer of America. In another chapter we 
will follow his eventful fortunes still further. By 
what you have been told of his humanity to the na- 
tives of the western world, you must be led to admire 
his wisdom and generosity. I wish it were in my 
power to show you that his virtues were recom- 
pensed as they deserved. Late posterity honours his 
memory, but his contemporaries exhibited towards 
him little of the justice or benevolence which is the 
proper reward of disinterested services to mankind. 



68 YOUNG CACIQUE. 



tJHAPTER VIII. 

In the last chapter, I intimated to you, that the 
Spaniards requited the kindness of the Indians with 
cruelty; but while they were few in number, and 
under the control of Columbus, this unworthy con- 
duct was not permitted. The timidity of the Indians 
was soon encouraged by kindness, and they all re- 
garded the strangers with cordiality, and treated them 
as superior beings. The dignity and state of their 
princes, as well as their liberal feelings, is evinced by 
the following relation. 

" While detained by contrary winds at Port Con- 
ception, Columbus was visited by a young cacique, 
of apparently great importance. He was borne by 
four men on a sort of litter, and attended by two 
hundred of his subjects. The admiral being at din- 
ner when he arrived, the young chieftain ordered his 
followers to remain without, and, entering the cabin, 
took his seat beside Columbus, not permitting him 
to rise, or use any ceremony. Only two old men 
entered with him, who appeared to be his counsellors, 
and seated themselves at his feet. If any thing was 
given him to eat and drink, he merely tasted it, and 
sent it to his followers, maintaining an air of great 
gravity and dignity. He spoke but little, his two 
counsellors watching his lips, and catching and com- 
municating his ideas. 

" After dinner, he presented the admiral with a belt, 
curiously ^vrought, and two pieces of gold. Colum- 
bws gave him a piece of cloth, several amber beads, 
coloured shoes, and a flask of orange-flower water. 



guacaNagari. 69 

! — 

He showed him Spanish coin, on which were the 
likenesses of the Idng and queen, and endeavoured 
to explain to him the power and greatness of those 
sovereigns. The cacique could not be made to be- 
lieve that there was a region on earth which produced 
these wonderful people and wonderful things ; he 
joined in the common idea, that the Spaniards 
were more than mortal, and that the country and 

I sovereigns they talked of, must exist somewhere in 
the skies." 

In the evening, this prince departed in the style in 
which he had come. Near him were his son and 

i brother ; the former borne along, and attended like 

I his father ; the latter on foot with two attendants. 

t The gifts of the admiral to these courtly personages, 
were carried before the procession with becoming 

I state. 

' Columbus continued to explore the northern coast 
of Hayti, and, on the 20th of December, anchored 
at a place at present called the Bay of Acul. The 
inhabitants came out to the ships in canoes, bringing 
with them delicious fruits, and readily giving the 
Spaniards small ornaments of gold. Among the 
visiters, were caciques of different villages, who 
invited the Spaniards to accompany them to their 
homes, where they were hospitably entertained. 

On the 22d of December, a grand cacique, named 
Guacanagari, who governed that part of the island, 
sent a mission to invite the admiral to visit him ; at 
the same time, presenting him with a wrought belt, 
and a wooden mask, of which, the eyes, nose, and 
tongue, were of gold. It was not convenient for the 

, admiral to comply immediately with this invitation, 
but he sent several of his men to make the desired 
visit. The town in which Guacanagari resided, was 



70 THE SHIPWRECK. 



larger and better built than any they had yet seen. , 
The cacique received the Spaniards in a pubhc square, , 
which had been swept and put in order to receive the • 
honoured strangers. Here, as on every similar occa- 
sion, presents were made by the Indians to their 
guests. 

The night of the 24th was very unfortunate for 
Columbus. He, in general, kept a vigilant observa- ■ 
tion wherever there was any possible danger. On i 
the previous morning, he had set sail for the harbour ', 
of Guacanagari, and had nearly reached it on Christ- ■ 
mas eve. The sea was calm, and the vessel scarcely ■ 
moved. Columbus had slept little the night before, ,. 
and, feeling himself safe in the man who held the ; 
helm^ (that part of the vessel which directs its course,) ^ 
he went to rest. But the unfaithful steersman, against ;. 
the admiral's regulations, gave the helm in charge to 
a careless and ignorant boy, and betook himself to ■. 
his bed. The rest of the mariners, who, for the , 
security of the ship, were set upon the watch, fol- 
lowed his example. In consequence of this care- , , 
lessness, the ship was forced upon a sand bank, from 
which it was found impossible to remove her, and, . 
had not the winds and waters been uncommonly calm, 
she would have been destroyed, and all her crew 
would have perished. Fortunately, they were favoured , 
by the weather, and enabled to take refuge on board 
the Nina. ,i 

When this misfortune was reported to Guacana-,: 
gari, he shed tears of commiseration, and immediately .* . 
sent out his people with all the canoes they could ^ 
muster, to unload the vessel. When this was done, ^ 
all the articles taken from the ship, were safely de- j 
posited near the dwelling of the cacique, without j 
injury, or the loss of the least of them. On the 26t}\> ( 



COLUMBUS VISITS THE CACIQUE. 



*3f December, the cacique paid the admiral a visit on 
)oard the Nina, and consoled him by every expression 
3f kindness. 

"WTien Columbus returned this visit, he was received 
)y the cacique with such courtesy and gracefulness, 
hat he appeared to the admiral with a dignity be- 
coming the majesty of a prince, born and educated 
n a European country. The fish, flesh, roots, and 
ruits of the country, were offered to the Spaniards 
is a refreshment. The manners of Guacanagari 
vere singularly refined and decorous in respect to his 
ating. He was slow, and moderate in the indulgence 
f his appetite, and when he had satisfied himself, 
vashed his hands, and rubbed them with odoriferous- 
lerbs. 

After the entertainment, Columbus was conducted 
the gro\es which surrounded the habitation of the 
hief. There were about a thousand Indians, all 
aked ; these were ordered by the cacique to perform 
heir national games and dances, for the entertainment 
f the admiral and his attendants, Columbus, in his 
am, exhibited to them the novel spectacle of Moorish 
ows and arrows, and European firearms. 

The cacique told the admiral, that the Caribs, the 
nemies of his countrymen, made descents upon 
fiem, armed with weapons similar to his bows and 
rrows. When the Indians heard the report of a 
annon, and an arquebuse, and perceived that the 
rees were shivered by them as with lightning, they 
3II to the ground in astonishment and dismay. But 
leir fears were removed by the assurance, that the 
Ipaniards would be their protectors, and only employ 
lese destructive engines in their defence against tlie 
!5aribs. 

The friendliness of the cacique, the mild manners- 



72 WARM COUNTRIES. 

of his people, and quantities of gold which were daily 
exchanged for the poorest trifles, together with reports 
that gold abounded in the interior of the country, all 
contributed to console the admiral for his misfortune. 
The shipwrecked crew were delighted with the indo- 
lence and ease with which they were peraiitted to 
live, and began to prefer the habits of savages to 
those of civilized man. 

In a warm country, the people have no need of the 
various garments, or expensive houses, which in cold 
climates, are an indispensable protection from the 
elements ; and their simple food of fruits and fish, is 
procured without the industry and fatigue which our 
agriculture requires. We must labour for our com- 
forts. By the sweat of man's brow, among us, he 
must be fed, sheltered, and clothed ; but in tropical 
countries, the desire of every living thing is imme- 
diately satisfied by the spontaneous growth of the soil, 
and a very little effort to apply its uses. The light 
trunks of their trees, placed at proper distances, and 
covered with the interweaving of their ample leaves, 
form a comfortable dwelling ; clothing is not wanted 
in their soft atmosphere, and earth yields her increase 
to them with unsparing bounty, without their care ; 
so that they can eat, drink, and live, without the toils 
of seed time and harvest, and without concern how 
they shall be warmed and sustained. 

The Spaniards loved this lazy luxury, and many 
of the seamen entreated the admiral, that, when he 
should return to Spain, they might be permitted to 
remain on the island. 

Perhaps you would like to know how the cacique 
obtained his power, and how he exercised it. I will 
tell you. The sovereignty was hereditary. On the 
decease of a cacique his son succeeded him : but if 



PATRIARCHAL GOVERNMENT 73 

he left no son, his sister^s son succeeded. This mode 
of succession seems to be peculiar to these islands, 
or only known among them. The form of govern- 
ment was completely despotic. The people had no 
letters, and, consequently, no wTitten laws ; nor had 
they any law but the will of the cacique. He might 
take their property or their lives, if he chose to do so ; 
and he ordered all rehgious ceremonies among them. 
If he had been tyrannical and cruel, an excessive lover 
of property, as the Turkish governors, who are equally 
despotic, are ; then the subjects of a cacique would 
have lived in constant fear — calling nothing they had 
their own, and in danger of losing their heads, when- 
ever it might please the humour of a hard-hearted 
chief. But it appears from their liistory, that the 
caciques, among these savages, exercised a kind 
authority over them, like that of a father and a friend, 
and that they were made very happy under this pa- 
triarchal government. 

The anxiety of many of liis people, and the friendly 
.dispositions of the natives, induced Columbus to 
listen to their request. He thought, if they should 
continue on the island, while he carried home the 
report of his discoveries, they might explore the 
country, and collect gold, in his absence. To make 
their abode perfectly secure, he resolved to construct 
a fortress for their residence. 

A fortress is a strong edifice, erected in a place 
somewhat difficult to approach from without, and 
made so strong by walls and iron bars, and so de- 
fended by firearms, that it cannot be entered without 
the consent of those within : the occupants, at the 
same time, having the power to injure or kill those 
who may come within a certain distance of them- 
The wrought planks, the iron which composed th© 
7 



74 HOSPITALITY. 



wreck of the Santa Maria, and the cannon which 
were designed for her defence, would all serve for 
the intended fort, and of these materials it was expe- 
ditiously built. 

Columbus was much disturbed by the desertion of 
the Pinta. It might be that Pinzon had returned to 
Spain, would impute the discovery of the new world 
to himself, and obtain the praises and honours which 
Columbus felt were liis due ; or, it was possible, that 
the Pinta was lost, and her crew had perished. No 
vessel now remained to the admiral but the Nina, and 
with her alone he must return to Europe. This pros- 
pect was discouraging ; for if the Pinta was lost, and 
the Nina should also perish, the new world would still 
be unknown to the old, and the nations might for cen- 
turies, perhaps for ever, remain in ignorance of the 
event of his expedition. To determine the result, 
the admiral hastened his preparations for a return to 
Spain. 

Again I will make use of the narrative of Mr, 
Irving, in giving you this history. " While the for- 
tress was building, the admiral continued to receive 
new proofs of the amity and kindness of Guacana- 
gari. Whenever he went on shore to superintend the ; 
works, he was entertained in the most hospitable man- ■ 
ner by that chieftain. He had the largest house in 
the place prepared for his reception, strewed or 
carpeted with palm leaves, and furnished with low 
stools of a black and shining wood, which looked 
like jet. When he received the admiral, it was 
always in a style of princely generosity, hanging, 
around his neck jewels of gold, or making him some< 
present of similar value. 

" On one occasion the cacique came to meet 
Columbus on landing, attended by five tributary f 
caciques, each wearing a coronet of gold. Thev 



MUTUAL KINDNESS. 75 

< onducted him with great deference to the house 
aheady mentioned, where, seating him on one of the 
chairs, Guacanagari took off his own coronet of gold 
and placed it upon the admiral's head. Columbus, in 
return, took from his neck a collar of fine coloured 
beads, which he put round that of the cacique ; he 
then invested him in a mantle of fine cloth, gave him 
a pair of coloured boots, and put on his finger a large 
silver ring ; upon which metal the Indians set a great 
value, it not being found in their island. Such were the 
acts of amity and kindness continually interchanged 
between Columbus and this warm-hearted and open- 
handed cacique." 

From the information which Columbus obtained 
from the signs of the natives — a very imperfect sort 
of communication, you know — he fancied that im- 
mense quantities of gold might be found in the island. 
In that case, he, being entitled to one-eighth of all 
the treasure that should be acquired, would become 
very rich, and the king and queen of Spain would 
gain wealth enough to send out a crusade against the 
Turks, and take from them the holy sepulchre — that 
is, the tomb of Christ, which is at Jerusalem. Wars 
against Turks, in Palestine, had been carried on long 
before the time of Columbus, by Catholic Christians. 
This desire that Christians should hold the tomb of 
Christ is a superstition. Nevertheless, this venera- 
tion for his religion in the breast of Columbus, was 
more honourable to him, (Joy he meant to devote his 
fortune to the enterprise that might be undertaken 
against the Turks,) than the more selfish love of 
money, which is the low and degrading passion of 
avarice. 

By the industry of the Spaniards, and the assist- 
ance of the Indians, the fortress was soon completed, 
and named by the admiral. La Navidad, or The 



76 AVARICE OF PINZON. 

Nativity, in memorial of their having been shipwTecked ' 
on Christmas day. Columbus selected thirty-nine , 
individuals, the most able-bodied, and of the most '' 
discreet conduct, to form a garrison. Among them 
was a ship-carpenter, a caulker, a cooper, a tailor, 
and a gunner, each expert in his art. Columbus then 
exhorted them to keep together during his absence, 
to avoid contention, and to treat the savages with the 
gentleness and justice due to them. 

On the 4th of January, 1493, Columbus took 
leave of his friends, and set sail for Spain. Guaca- 
nagari was deeply moved when he bade the admiral 
farewell ; and the Spaniards who were left behind, 
when they saw their countrymen depart for their 
homes, were deeply afflicted ; but having once crossed 
the ocean in safety, they looked forward with bright 
hopes to the day when they should again behold them 
return with augmented numbers, and good tidings 
from Spain. 

Two days after the departure from the harbour of 
Nativity, a sailor, who was looking our for rocks from 
the mast-head, espied the Pinta at a distance. The 
news was instantly told, and the crew were overjoyed 
to hear it. In a short time Martin Alonzo Pinzon 
came up to the admiral's ship. The wind at that time 
was directly ahead, so that both vessels were forced 
to anchor at a harbour of the island of Hayti, called 
by Columbus Monti Christi. 

Pinzon had deserted Columbus, because he sailed 
under his command, and had no right to any portion 
of the riches that might be found, except such as the 
sovereigns of Spain should allot him. He was ex- 
cessively avaricious, and unwilling to depend upon 
the justice or munificence of the king. He had heard 
from the Indians of some imaginary island abounding 
in gold, and went in pursuit of it, that he might enrich 



COAST OF SAMANA. 



himself without delay. He did not, of course, find 
the island he sought, but he touched at various places, 
on the coast of Hispaniola, east of the harbour where 
Columbus was stationed, remaining the longest time 
in a river forty-five miles from La Navidad. Here 
he collected a considerable quantity of gold, one-half 
of which he kept for himself, and the other half he 
distributed among his men as a bribe — that is, pay- 
ment for connivance with him in his treacherous 
conduct, and for secresy, or concealment of his dis- 
honesty. 

Pinzon pretended to Columbus, that his vessel had 
been driven away from his company by some acci- 
dent. Columbus understood the deceit and sordid- 
ness of this man, but he would not quarrel with him. 
He forbore to reproach him, and heard his excuses 
without reply. This instance of prudence and for- 
bearance in the admiral is worthy of remark and 
imitation. It is necessary to conceal one's contempt 
and indignation against mean and wicked persons, 
when they are incapable of shame, and we are unable 
to make them do right. To preserve peace when 
contention does no good is equally safe and wise. 
The great example of Columbus is not only admira- 
ble, because he was independent, courageous, and 
persevering, but because he was patient of injuries, 
and, as the Christian religion instructs all men to do, 
left the punishment of his enemies to justice. 

Pinzon, during the period of his desertion, had 
taken four Indian men and two girls, with the inten- 
tion to carry them to Spain ; but Columbus forced 
him to restore them to their friends, much against 
his will. 

If you have a map of the West India islands, you 
will see, not far from the eastern extremity of His- 
paniola, the peninsula of Samana, which terminates 
7* 



78 THE CTGL-AYANS. 



in Cape Samana, and has for its eastern boundary 
the Bay of Samana, which is about three leagues in 
breadth. On the coast of this bay Cohimbus land- 
ed, and found a people quite different from the sub- 
jects of Guacanagari, or any Indians he had seen. 
I will give you Mr. Irving's description of them. 

" They were hideously painted, and wore their 
hair long and tied beliind, and decorated with the 
feathers of parrots, and other birds of gaudy plu- 
mage. They were armed with bows and arrows, 
war clubs and swords of a formidable kind. Their 
bows were of the length of those used by the 
English archers ; their arrows were of reeds, point- 
ed with hard wood, and sometimes tipped with bone, 
or with the tooth of a fish. Their swords were of 
palm wood, as hard and as heavy as iron ; they 
were not sharp, but broad, nearly of the thickness 
of two lingers, and capable, with one blow, of cleav- 
ing through a helmet to the very brains." 

These warlike Indians manifested no fear of the 
Spaniards, neither did they offer any violence to 
them. Soon after the landing they sold the latter 
two bows and several arrows, and one of the natives 
went on board the admiral's ship. This visiter was 
returned to the shore in a boat, accompanied by 
several Spaniards, who offered to purchase some of 
the Indian weapons, in order to take them to Spain 
as a curiosity. The Indians at first consented to 
part with some bows, but in the midst of the trans- 
action they suspected that the Spaniards had a de- 
sign against them, and immediately attempted to seize 
and bind them. The Spaniards instantly attacked 
the Indians, wounded two, and put the rest to flight. 
This was " the first time that native blood had been 
shed by the white men in the new world." 

" These were of the tribe of the Ciguayans, a bold 



THE CiGUAYANS. 79 



and hardy race of Indians, inhabiting a mountainous 
district, extending five and twenty leagues along the 
coast, and several leagues into the interior." The 
day after the skirmish the admiral sent a large party, 
well armed, to the shore ; but the fearless nation 
came out to meet them, as if nothing had happened. 

The cacique who ruled over the neighbouring 
country, was on the shore. He sent off to the boat, 
a string of beads, made of the hard part of shells. 
The meaning of this offering was not then under- 
stood by the Europeans, but it was a token of peace 
— the wampum belt., which it is now known that all the 
Indian tribes olTer to express amicable intentions. 
The chieftain followed soon after, and with only 
tliree attendants was conveyed to the admiral's vessel. 

Columbus received the cacique with cordiality, 
had the best food set before him, showed him the 
ship, made presents to him and his attendants, and 
sent them back to land highly pleased with their en- 
tertainment. The residence of the chief was among 
the mountains — too far from the coast to permit him 
to repeat his visit immediately ; but he sent the ad- 
miral a coronet of gold. From four young natives 
who came on board his ship, Columbus received 
such accounts of islands lying to the east, that he 
formed a resolution to visit them, and prevailed on 
the young men to remain with him as guides. On the 
16th of January he set sail from the Gulf of Samana. 

At first he took the route pointed out to him by 
the Indians, and had he pursued that course would 
soon have arrived at Porto Rico. The sailors per- 
ceiving that his course was not direct for Spain, be- 
came sad, and averse to proceeding, so Columbus 
altered his plan and steered for Europe. The wind 
was adverse from the 1st, but the weather continued 
calm till the 12th of February, when a violent storm 



80 A STORM. 



commenced, which raged with unabated fury for 
several days. During this storm Columbus lost 
sight of the Pinta. 

I will now give you instances of the superstition 
of the Catholics in that age. You have already learn- 
ed that Columbus, though truly and eminently pious, 
had some of that rel'gious enthusiasin that leads men 
to acts which are intended as services to God, with- 
out being such as reason approves, or the Gospel 
enjoins. Vows, pilgrimages, and penances, are of 
this sort. Columbus believed that such observances 
were acceptable to God, and that when he is offen- 
ded at the sins of his creatures his anger may be 
turned away by worship offered to dead saints. The 
following are examples of this fact. 

While the storm threatened the destruction of the 
ship and all in it, Columbus thought to obtain de- 
liverance by solemn vows. He caused a number of 
beans, equal to the number of persons on board, to 
be put into a cup, on one of which was cut the sign 
of the cross. Each of the crew made a vow that 
should the lot fall to him, he would make a pilgrim- 
age to the shrine of Santa Maria of Guadaloupe, 
bearing a wax taper of five pounds weight. A . 
shrine is a place in which the image of some holy 
person is kept, to which superstitious persons repair 
to offer prayers, or make presents to the saint, i 
A journey made to the shrine, from reverence to the * 
saint, is a pilgrimaii'e. The first lot was drav/n by 
Cohunbus. Two other lots, drawn from the same | 
cup, appointed two other pilgrimages. But all this •■' 
did not still the storm. ! 

" The tempest still raging with unabating violence, . 
the admiral and all the mariners made a vow, that if: 
they were spared to reach the land, wiicrever they 
first went on shore they would go in procession^ 



ARRIVAL AT ST MARY's. 81 

barefooted, and in their shirts, to offer up prayers and 
thanlisgiving at his favourite shrine. Such has al- 
ways been the custom with mariners of Catholic 
countries, in times of tempest and peril. — The 
heavens, however, seemed deaf to their pious vows ; 
the storm grew still more wild and frightful, and each 
man gave himself up for lost." 

During this storm Columbus suffered the most 
torturing anxiety, for his own life, and the lives of 
his companions, and from the fear that the know- 
ledge of his achievement should be lost to Europe, 
and especially that his two sons, left at school at 
Cordova, should be left destitute. It was possible 
that a narrative of his voyage might survive, even 
should he and his crew perish. In order to pre- 
serve the fact of his discovery, he wrote a brief ac- 
count of his voyage, addressed to Ferdinand and 
Isabella, wrapped it in a wax cloth, which he enclo- 
sed in the center of a cake of wax, and putting the 
whole into a barrel, threw it into the sea. Enclosed 
svith this document was a promise of a thousand 
iucats to whomsoever should find and deliver this 
racket unopened. Soon after this precaution had 
)een taken, a streak of clear sky appeared in the 
vest, and the weather became favourable. 

On the 15th, land appeared in view. At this mo- 
nent, " The transports of the crewat once moregain- 
ng sight of the old world, were almost equal to what 
hey had experienced on first beholding the new." 
There was, at first, some uncertainty concerning 
he land. One thought it was Madeira ; another 
he rock of Cintra, near Lisbon ; and more believed 
t might be Spain. It proved to be St. Mary's, the 
aost southern of the Azore islands, a possession of 
he Portuguese. 



82 THANKSGIVING. 



CHAPTER IX. 

The reception of Columbus in Europe must inter- 
est you. I will detain you with him a little among the 
Portuguese, and then we will proceed to the court of 
Spain. Columbus, as soon as his vessel approached 
the land, sent some of his men to learn what was the 
place where they were, and where was the safest har- 
bour for the ship to anchor. The inhabitants, when 
they beheld the caravel, were astonished that she 
had been able to live throui:h the gale. When they 
heard, moreover, that she had brought tidings from a 
land of the I'ar-distant west, they were filled with 
wonder, and persuaded three of the mariners, who j 
had come ashore in the boat, to remain. | 

The governor of the island, Juan de Castinada, 
sent off fowls, bread, and various kinds of food, to ■ 
the admiral, with a promise to visit him the next day. 
This message was entrusted to three men, who re- 
mained on board the admiraPs ship all night. On 
tlie following morning Columbus reminded his peo- 
ple of their vow to make a pious procession wherever 
they should first land. Near the shore v/as a small 
chapel, or hermitage, dedicated to the virgin, conve 
niently situated for the performance of the vow, 
"When the governor's three messengers returned to 
the island, they sent a priest to the penitents, to as- 
sist them in their solemn service, and " one half of 
the crew landing, walked in procession, barefooted,^ 
and in their shirts, to the chapel ; while the admiral: 
awaited their return, to perform the same ceremony] 
with the remainder of his men." 

" An ungenerous reception, however, awaited the 
poor tempest-tost mariners, on their fu'st return to the 



; 



AN ARREST. 83 



abode of civilized man, far distant from the sympathy 
and hospitality they had experienced among the sa- 
vages of the new world. Scarcely had they begun 
their prayers and thanksgivings, when the whole rab- 
ble of the village, horse and foot, headed by the 
governor, surrounded the hermitage, and took them 
all prisoners." 

Columbus, after a reasonable time had elapsed, 
was alarmed at the prolonged absence of his men. 
He feared the boat might have been lost in returning. 
He could not see the chapel from where his vessel 
lay ; and in order to satisfy himself, steered to a 
place in view of the hermitage. From hence he 
beheld a number of armed men, with the governor 
at their head, enter a boat, and row towards his 
vessel. 

Castinada kept at a safe distance ; but Columbus 
reproached him for his perfidy, declaring that his 
conduct was a dishonour to his master, the king of 
Portugal, and an insult to the Spanish sovereigns ; at 
the same time showing him the commission which he 
held from the king and queen of Spain. Castinada 
replied contemptuously, that all he had done was in 
obedience to the authority of his sovereign. John II. 
of Portugal. Columbus did not comprehend this 
declaration. He did not know why the king of Por- 
tugal should form a hostile design against him, and 
suspected that war had been declared between Spain 
and Portugal. But in a few days the mystery was 
explained. 

After a storm of two days continuance, which 
drove Columbus from his anchorage at St. Mary's 
to the neighbouring island of St. Michael's, he was 
enabled to return to the former. Two priests and a 
'notary then came out to his ship, to bring a friendly 
message from Castinada, who pretended that here- 



84 INJUSTICE OF CASTINADA. 

tofore he had not beUeved that Columbus sailed t 
under a commission from the Spanish sovereigns. . 
He now declared, if the priests should examine the 
writing which expressed his privileges, and the pro- 
tection of the Spanish monarchs, and find it to be a 
true document, he should regard the admiral as a i 
servant of the crown of Spain, and treat him accor- 
dingly. The frank and honest nature of Columbus^ , 
abhorred the artifice and deceit of this wily and hypo- 
critical governor, but he restrained his indignation, , 
made a respectful reply to the priests, and showed 
them his commission, with the royal seal affixed 
to it. 

The next day, the boat and mariners were liber- 
ated. The men, who had been detained at St. 
Mary's had learned the cause of Castinada's con- 
duct. You will remember, that I told you in a former 
chapter, that the Portuguese had made discoveries 
on the west coast of Africa, as far south as Guinea, 
and that the pope had made a gift of the whole con- 
tinent of Africa to the king of Portugal, whenever his 
captains should have navigated its shores. 

It was an express article in the commission of 
Columbus that his discoveries should not interfere in 
any way with those included in the pope's grant to the 
Portuguese. But when the king of Portugal heard 
of the expedition of Columbus, he either believed, or 
pretended to believe, that the latter might explore the 
coast of Africa, and therefore he sent orders to the 
commanders of islands, and of distant posts, to 
seize and detain him, wherever he might be met with. 
Castinada's dishonourable treatment of the admiral's 
people, was an act of comphance witii the king's 
commands. 

Columbus set sail from St. Mary's on the 24th of 
February. On the 4th of March, he found himself 



ARRIVAL IN PORTUGAL. 85 

off the rock of Cintra, at the mouth of the Tagus. A 
terrible storm, in which the weary voyagers were once 
more in imminent peril, had driven them thither for 
shelter. Finding themselves safe, the crew, on this 
Occasion, returned hearty thanks to God, who had 
mercifully delivered them from so many dangers. 
The ship anchored opposite to the small town of Ras- 
tello, the inhabitants of which had seen the ship in 
her extremity, watching her with anxiety, and putting 
up prayers for her preservation. These people came 
off to congratulate Columbus upon his escape, declar- 
ring it was almost a miracle that he had not been lost. 

Columbus immediately dispatched a courier, (an 
over-land messenger, who is required to be as expe- 
ditious as possible,) to the king and queen of Spain, 
announcing his discovery. He also wrote to the king 
of Portugal, requesting permission to go to Lisbon, 
as his vicinity to Rastello was unsafe. The people 
of that place were poor, and sordid, and would not 
hesitate to commit any violence, by which they could 
get money. A report prevailed among them, that 
the admiral's vessel was laden with gold, and Co- 
lumbus believed they would ravage his ship, whenever 
they could find an opportunity. In his letter to the 
king of Portugal, Columbus assured that monarch, 
that he had not during his voyage, approached the 
African coast, or in any way interfered with the 
pope's grant. 

The next day, Don Alonzo de Acana, the captain 
of a large vessel stationed hear the admiral's ship, 
being informed of the extraordinary voyage he had 
made, paid his respects to Columbus, bringing with 
him a band of martial music, drums, fifes, and trum- 
pets, and paying those honours to the discoverer of 
the new world, which one honourable man owes to 
aftother> 

8 



86 HONOURS. 



There was no city in the world, where maiitime 
discovery was thought of so much importance as at 
Lisbon. As soon as the inhabitants heard of the 
arrival of Columbus, and that he had brought with 
him some of the natives of the new world, the people 
of Lisbon flocked in crowds to his ship. " For seve- 
ral days, the Tagus presented a gay and moving 
picture, covered with barges and boats of every kind 
swarming round the caravel. From morning till 
night, the vessel was thronged with visiters, among 
whom were cavaliers of high distinction, and various 
officers of the crown." 

All these listened with admiration to the accounts 
given by Columbus and his crew, of the events 
of their voyage ; and saw with delight the curi- 
osities they had brought back to Europe. The 
Indians, in particular, were objects of wonder, so dif- 
ferent were they from any race of men previously 
known in Europe. On the 8th of March, a cavalier, 
known by the name of Don Martin de Norona, came 
with a letter from king John, congratulating Colum- 
bus, and inviting him to the Portuguese court, then 
held at Valparaiso, about twenty-seven miles from 
Lisbon. The king, at the same time, ordered that 
every thing which the admiral might want for himself 
and his crew, should be abundantly furnished for 
them, without any expense to themselves. Colum- 
bus did not accept the king's invitation with much 
pleasure ; he remembered the treatment he had re- 
ceived, by his order, at the island of St. Mary's. 

On the present occasion, however, Columbus, with 
his usual prudence, concealed his distrust of the i 
king, and set off for Valparaiso, on the veiy day that i 
he received the invitation. The first night he slept { 
at Sacamben, where preparations had been made for e 
liis entertainment. The next dav it rained, and ho ie 



MALEVOLENT DESIGNS. 87 



did not reach Valparaiso until night. " His recep- 
tion by the monarch, was worthy of an enlightened 
prince. He ordered him to seat himself in his pre- 
sence, an honour only accorded to persons of royal 
dignity ; and after many congratulations on the glo- 
rious result of his enterprise, assured him that every 
thing in his kingdom, that could be of service to his 
sovereigns or himself, was at his command." 

Columbus at the king's request, gave an account 
of his voyage and discoveries. The king listened 
to him with apparent pleasure, but with secret mor- 
tification. He recollected that he had been first 
solicited to aid this splendid enterprise, and had 
refused ; and he now reflected, with regret, that the 
honours and riches which would have been awarded 
to him as the patron of Columbus, now appertained 
to the sovereigns of Spain. Soon after, he pretended 
tobeheve, that the newly discovered countries be- 
longed to him, because he said the papal bull granted 
to tlie crown of Portugal, all lands from Cape Non to 
India. 

The king's counsellors^ perceiving that he was en- 
vious of the good fortune of Spain, and willing to take 
her new dominion as his own, proposed to him to have 
Columbus assassinated, that he might not persist in 
declaring the rights of the Spanish sovereigns. John, 
though he loved power and extent of dominion, was 
too good a man to adopt this treacherous advice. 
Others of the king's council, intimat , that he should 
permit Columbus to return to Spain, and, while he 
was there, fit out an expedition, which might be guid- 
ed by two Portuguese mariners, who had sailed with 
Columbus, and, v^ith a sufficient military force, take 
possession of the western world. This counsel suit- 
ed the king's ambition, and he fixed upon Don Fran- 
cisca de Almeida, one of the most distinguished 



88 ' CONGRATULATION. 

captains of the age, to command the intended ex- 
pedition. 

Columbus in the mean time was treated with ex- 
traordinary attention, and was escorted back to his 
ship by Don Martin de Norona, and a numerous 
train of Portuguese nobles. A mule was provided 
for the admiral, and another for his pilot. On his 
way, Columbus stopped at the monastery of St. An- 
tonio, at Villa Franca, to visit the queen. He found 
her attended by her favourite ladies, and experienced 
a flattering reception. Her majesty made him re- 
late the most remarkable circumstances of his voy- 
age, and she and her ladies hstened with the hveliest 
pleasure to his narrative. 

On his return to Lisbon, he found the weather 
favourable. Putting to sea on the 13th of March, 
he arrived in safety at the harbour of Palos, on the 
15th, having been absent seven months and a half. 
You must recollect that when Columbus left Spain, 
he took the chief of his crew from the little port of 
Palos, and its vicinity. You were told, that parents, 
wives, and children took leave of those they loved 
with prayers and tears. During seven months, 
these anxious friends had received no intelligence 
from the absent objects of their affection, and had 
often lamented them as lost in the fathomless ocean. 

When it was announced in Palos, that one of the 
ships was coming into the harbour, all the people of „ 
the town burst out into transports of joy. The bells 
were rung, the shops shut, and all business was sus- 
pended. For a time, all was hurry and confusion ; 
every one pressing forward to learn something of a 
relative or friend. "When Columbus landed, the 
multitude thronged to see and welcome him, and a 
grand procession was formed to the principal churchy 
to return thanks to God for so singular a discovery 



DEATH OF riNZON. 



made by the people of that place." The king and 
queen were then at Barcelona. Columbus imme- 
diately informed them of his arrival. He soon after 
departed for Seville, to await their orders, and took 
with him six of the Indians/. 

I suppose you have not forgotten Martin Alonzo 
Pinzon and the Pinta. That vessel was thought 
to be lost, but she entered the harbour of Palos on 
the evening of the day in which Columbus had ar- 
rived there. After the Pinta had been separated by 
the storm from the admiral's vessel, she had been 
driven into the Bay of Biscay, and reached the port of 
Bayorlne. Pinzon thought it probable that Columbus 
had perished, and resolved, in that case, to take to 
J himself the honours and rewards of his discovery. 
iFrom Bayonne, Pinzon wrote to the sovereigns that 
he was arrived, and sent the intelligence of his dis- 
covery, as he called it, to their majesties. He then 
[proceeded to Palos, anticipating a triumphant recep- 
tion in his native town. 

On entering the harbour of Palos, Pinzon was 
equally surprised and mortified at sight of the ad- 
miral's vessel. He was afraid to meet Columbus, 
land ashamed to see his townsmen. He feared that Co- 
lumbus would expose his desertion at Cuba, and that 
the selfishness and meanness of his conduct would 
draw upon him the contempt of every one. When 
he saw the admiral's ship, Pinzon took to his boat, 
and landed privately, keeping himself out of sight 
till the admiral's departure from Palos. The praises 
bestowed upon Columbus, seemed to Pinzon so 
many reproaches to himself ; and, when at length he 
received an angry reply to the letter he had written 
to the sovereigns, his mind sunk under the weight 
jf shame and conscious guilt, and in a few days hq 
iied. 

8* 



90 LETTER OF THE SOVEREIGNS. 

The blot of meanness which stains his character, 
affords a melancholy proof, that men of noble quali- 
ties may lose all the honours and advantages of 
their virtues, by a single unworthy action. Mr. Ir- 
ving, who is a writer of the most candid and dis- 
criminating judgment, regards the character of Pin- 
zon as entitled to respect. " He was a man of great 
spirit and enterprise, and one of the ablest seamen 
of the age. He had encouraged Columbus when 
he was poor and unknown ; had furnished him with 
money ; had induced men, who were umviUing to 
take a part in his undertaking, to engage in it ; and, 
lastly, he and his brother, by his persuasion, had 
courageously faced the dangers of a precarious and 
hazardous voyage. The deep shame and remorse 
which he felt for his fault, proves that liis better na- 
ture was not corrupted, and that self reproach is a 
sting wiiich a generous spirit cannot bear." 

Shortly after he had arrived at Seville, Columbus 
received a letter from the king and queen, expressing 
their satisfaction at his success, and requesting him 
to repair immediately to court, where arrangements 
for a second expedition should be made. This let-' 
ter was addressed to him by the title of " Don Chris- 
topher Columbus, our admiral of the ocean sea, and 
viceroy and governor of the islands discovered in 
the Indies." Upon receiving this command, Co 
lumbus, taking with him the six Indians, and the va- 
rious curiosities and productions which he had 
brought from the new world, set out for Barcelona, 
The news of his discovery had been told all ove 
Spain : therefore, as he passed from Seville to Bar^ 
celona, Columbus was every where received wi 
wonder and delight. 

" Wherever he passed, the surrounding country 
poured forth its inhabitants, who lined the road aiuJ 



TRIUMPH OF COLUMBUS. 91 



thronged the villages. In the large towns, the streets, 
windows, and balconies, were filled with eager spec- 
tators, who rent the air with acclamations. His 
journey was continually impeded by the multitude 
pressing to gain a sight of him, and of the Indians, 
who were regarded with as much admiration as it 
they had been natives of another planet." 

Columbus arrived at Barcelona about the middle 
of April. As he drew near the place, many young 
noblemen, and a vast crowd of people, came forth 
to meet and welcome him. His entrance into this 
noble city has been compared with the triumph, or 
ovation, which the Romans decreed to their conquer- 
ing generals ; but, in my mind, the spectacle of Co- 
lumbus at Barcelona, is infinitely more glorious 
than that of d Roman triumph. If you have read 
Plutarch's account of the triumph of Paulus JEmil- 
ius, you will remember that he rode in a splendid 
car ; that treasures forcibly taken from their former 
possessors, were borne before him, and that a sad 
procession of captive princes walked in his train, 
drawing tears from every compassionate heart. 

Tears and regrets made no part of the triumph 
of Columbus ; as yet, his discovery had done no 
evil, had destroyed no happiness. He meant to 
confer blessings on his fellow men ; he trusted he 
had done so ; he believed that he was appointed by. 
Providence to render still higher services to man- 
kind. As Columbus passed through the streets of 
Barcelona, to the royal residence, the Indians were 
paraded first in the procession, " painted according 
to their savage fashion, and decorated with tropical 
feathers, and with their national ornaments of gold ; 
ifter these were borne various kinds of live parrots, 
together with stuffed birds and animals of unknown 
species, and rare plants, supposed toi^e of precious 



92 RECEPTIOIC AT COURT. 

qualities ; while great care was taken to make a 
conspicuous display of coronets, bracelets, and 
other decorations of gold. 

" After these followed Columbus, on horseback, 
surrounded by a brilliant cavalcade of Spanish 
chivalry. The streets were almost impassable, from 
the countless multitude ; the windows and balconies 
were crowded with the fair ; and the very roofs 
were covered with spectators." To receive him 
with suitable pomp and distinction, the sovereigns 
had ordered their throne to be placed in pubUc, un- 
der a rich canopy of brocade of gold, in a vast and 
splendid saloon.- Here the king and queen, with 
Prince Juan beside them, and attended by the chief 
nobility of the kingdom, awaited the admiral's ar- 
rival. ; 

At length Columbus entered the hall. His com- 
manding person, and his countenance, rendered 
venerable by gray hairs, gave him the appearance 
of a Roman senator. As Columbus approached, 
the sovereigns rose to receive him, and he stooped 
to kiss their hands ; but they raised him from the 
attitude of lowliness and ordered him to seat him- 
self — which was esteemed an act of great condescen- 
sion. You, who live in a republican country, which 
does not require any citizen to stand in the presence 
of a magistrate, however dignified, except on par- 
ticular occasions, do not understand, perhaps, that 
to be seated in the presence of the Spanish sover- 
eigns, was only the privilege of a great favourite. 

Columbus related his history, and displayed his 
curiosities to their majesties. The Indians, and 
the specimens of gold, were the most interesting 
objects exhibited ; and Columbus asserted that the 
world he had discovered opened inexhaustible 
.sources of wealth, and offered multitudes of human 



1 



HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS. 93 

beings, who might be converted to the CathoUc 
faith. 

Columbus was heard with profound attention. 
When he had finished the sovereigns fell upon their 
knees, and with eyes filled with tears, and hands 
raised to heaven, poured forth thanks and praises to 
God, for so great a providence. The whole assem- 
bly followed their example ; and, at that solemn mo- 
ment, an anthem, chanted by the musicians in the 
royal service, rose up in the midst, " bearing up, as 
it were, the feelings and thoughts of the auditors to 
heaven." Such was the pious manner in which the 
Spanish court celebrated the discovery of Colum- 
bus. 

The joy occasioned by this discovery in Spain 
was participated by all Europe. Every one re- 
joiced in it as opening a wide scope for navigation, 
and unbounded stores of wealth. Learned men so 
rejoiced in the benefits it promised to science, and 
the prospect of human happiness which it held out, 
that one of them, Peter Martyr, declared, the 
thought of it was " like an accession of wealth to a 
miser." Notwithstanding this exultation, no one 
was yet aware of the existence of a western conti- 
[lent. Only a few of the Bahama islands, parts of 
Cuba and Hispaniola, had been visited. Cuba was 
regarded as the eastern extremity of Asia, and the 
)ther islands were believed to be in the Indian ocean. 
While Columbus remained at Barcelona, the 
jovereigns continued to bestow on him every mark 
)f their esteem ; and the queen, particularly, 
istened with dehght to his conversation. The king 
ippeared occasionally on horseback, with Prince 
jFuan on one side, and Columbus on the other. It 
s necessary that you should reccollect what I told 
|fOu concerning coats of arms and mottoes, if you 



94 GRAND CARDINAL. 

■ » ■ 

would understand the expression of respect offered i 
by the sovereigns to Columbus. They had already 
ennobled Columbus, that is, had given him the title 
of Don, together with the high office of admiral, 
during his life, and to his heirs and successors for 
ever. They added to his dignity the gift of the royal I 
arms of Spain, which was the figure of a castle and I 
a lion. The castle signifying, perhaps, the strong: 
foundation and security of the regal power ; audi 
the lion intimating the ability to defend that power,, 
should it be assailed. In addition to the castle and] 
the lion, Columbus was presented with a group ofl 
islands, surrounded with waves — a clear representa- 
tion of his discovery. These arms bore the motto : 

" For Castile and Leon 
Columbus found a new world." 

Besides the king and queen, many eminent indi*- 
viduals befriended Columbus ; among them was Pedro 
Gonzalez de Mendoza, the grand cardinal of Spain 
— a man who was distinguished as much for his piety^ 
and learning as for his high station. He invited Co- 
lumbus to a banquet, where he gave him the highest 
seat at table, and had him served with marked re- 
spect. At this banquet is said to have occured a 
circumstance, ofVen related ; but it must be new to 
you, and you shall have it in the words of Mr 
Irving. 

" A shallow courtier present, impatient of the 
honours paid to Columbus, and meanly jealous oi 
him as a foreigner, abruptly asked him, whether he 
thought that, in case he had not discovered the In- 
dies, there were not other men in Spain, who woulc 
have been capable of the enterprise ? To this Co- 
lumbus made no immediate reply, but, taking at 



BREAKING THE EGG. 95 



egg, invited the company to make it stand on one 
end. Every one attempted it, but in vain ; where- 
upon he struck it upon the table so as to break the 
end, and left it standing on the broken part ; illustra- 
ting, in this simple manner, that when he had once 
shown the way to the new world, nothing was easier 
than to follow it." 

For a time Columbus was "honoured by the 
sovereigns, coiu-ted by the great, and idolized by the 
people ;" — yet he was the same individual who had 
been neglected and despised by many of his present 
followers. He knew that his own worth was always 
the same, and except for the excellent queen, Isa- 
bella, and the worthy friends of his humble state, 
Diego de Deza, and the prior of La Rabidad, he 
felt little esteem for the multitude of his admirers. 



— ••w^@04«<" 



CHAPTER X. 

Jesus Christ, when he was upon earth, said, " My 
kingdom is not of this world." Six centuries after 
the death of Christ, the bishops of Rome declared 
that they ruled upon earth as representatives of 
Christ's authority. Christ said, " Who made me a 
judge and a divider ?" and refused to determine a 
dispute which was referred to him — nevertheless 
his pretended representatives made themselves 
judges of princes, and dividers of the whole earth. 
Catholic princes agreed together that they ought to 
'take for their own, all territories, and other property, 
belonging to ignorant and heathen nations, and then 
teach them to be Christians. 



96 THE POPE. 



This doctrine made Ferdinand and Isabella be- 
lieve that the countries discovered by Columbus, 
and the people dwelling in them, were subject to 
them. But to make other nations agree to this, and 
to prevent them from taking possession of the coun- 
tries, the sovereigns of Spain thought proper to ob- 
tain a declaration from the pope that these countries 
belonged to Spain only, and no other Christian 
power had any right to them. 

In order to establish their right to the countries 
which had been, or which might be discovered by 
Columbus, Ferdinand and Isabella despatched am- 
bassadors to the court of Rome, that is, to the pope, 
Alexander VI, who was a native of Spain. The 
ambassador reminded the pope that the discoveries 
of Columbus did not interfere with those of Portugal, 
and he supplicated his holiness to issue a bull to se- 
cure the possession of the countries in question to 
the Spanish crown. The pope, in compliance with his 
petition, decreed that all discoveries made by naviga- 
tors in the service of Spain, lying west of a boundary 
line, one hundred leagues west of the Azores, should 
belong to Spain ; and all future discoveries to the 
east of this line, to Portugal.. 

The sovereigns were anxious to prosecute the 
discoveries which had been begun, and to effect this, 
ordered a second expedition under Columbus to be 
fitted out. These preparations and the disburse- 
ment of all money to be employed in the western 
voyages that might be undertaken, were entrusted 
to Juan Rodrigues de Fonseca, archdeacon of 
Seville. This man, though an ecclesiastic, was em- 
ployed in secular offices by the king and queen, and 
possessed great power during thirty years. It must 
be lamented that Fonseca was not good and wise a*' 
well as powerful. Possessing the public money. 



FONSECA. 97 



and having the right to employ it as he thought best, 
he contrived to " heap wrongs and sorrows upon the 
most illustrious of the early discoverers." On what 
occasions you will learn, as you advance in the 
history of Columbus. 

According to the regulations made by the sover- 
eigns, no person was to be permitted to go to the 
newly discovered lands without a license, that is, a 
Written permission from the sovereigns, from Colum- 
bus, or from Fonseca, under a heavy penalhj — that 
is, without being punished, by paying a fne or in 
some other way. Columbus and Fonseca were 
fallowed to buy any vessel that they should want ; 
and if the owner of such vessel should not be willing 
to sell it, they had permission to take it by force. 
They might also exact the services of any captain, 
pilot, or sailor they should choose. 

I mention this that you may understand how much 
better it is for you that you are born under a free go- 
vernment, than if you were the subject of an arbitrary 
one. In our country the government never can take 

man's property without his consent. We are 
obliged to pay taxes for the support of civil order, and 
the defence of the country ; and to render personal 
services in case of a war ; but persons are not com- 
pelled, among us, to give their labour or their property 
to any enterprises similar to those of Columbus. 

" When the second expedition of Columbus was 
Ifitting out, great care was taken to furnish instructors 
to convert the Indians to the Catholic faith. Twelve 
priests were appointed for the purpose. Among these 
the most distinguished vv' as Bernard Boyle, a Bene- 
dictine monk, — a man more cunning than pious, who 
afterwards caused much trouble to Columbus. Queen 
Isabel enjoined Columbus to punish all Spaniards 
who should injure any of her Indian subjects, and 
9 



98 OJEUA. 



especially ordered that they should be instructed in 
her religion. As a beginning to the good work cf 
initiating pagans in Christianity the six Indians whom 
Columbus had brought to Spain were baptized with 
great ceremony. 

By the exertions of Fonseca, and his assistants in 
office, Columbus, upon his second expedition, pro^ 
cured a fleet of seventeen ships, and was accompanied 
by fifteen hundred persons. Some were officers and 
mariners, and others were adventurers^whowenttQ the 
new world from the want of something to do, or to find 
gold and precious stones, that might afterwards be sold 
in Europe and make them rich without further trouble, 
Among these adventurers was a young cavalier of good 
family, of the name of Don Alonzo de Ojeda. Mr. 
Irving describes him thus, " He was of a small size, 
but vigorous make, well proportioned, dark complex- 
ioned, of handsome animated countenance, and 
incredible strength and agility, accomplished in 
all manly and v/arlike exercises, and an admirable 
horseman, — fierce in fight, quick in brawl, but ready 
to forgive, and prone to forget an injury ; he was for 
a long time the idol of the rash and roving youth who 
engaged in the early expeditions to the new world, 
and has been made the hero of many wonderful tales." 

An anecdote of the hardihood of Ojeda, which 
may amuse you, is taken from a Spanish historian, 
" Queen Isabella being in the tower of the principal 
church of Seville, Ojeda, to entertain her majesty, 
and to give proofs of his courage and agility, mounted 
on a great beam which projected in the air, twenty 
feet from the tower, at such an imm.ense height from 
the ground that the people below looked like dwarfs, 
and it was enough to make one's flesh creep to look 
down. Along the beam he walked briskly, and with 
as much confidence as though he had been pacing hi* 



SECOND VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS. 99 

chamber. When arrived at the end, he stood on one 
leg, hfting the other in the air ; then turning nimbly 
round he returned in the same way to the tower, un- 
affected by the giddy height, from whence the least 
false step would have precipitated him, and dashed 
him to pieces. He afterwards stood with one foot 
on the beam, and placing the other against the wall 
of the building, threw an orange to the summit of 
the tower. 

You probably recollect that when Columbus was 
in Portugal, king John determined to send out a 
secret expedition to take possession of the temtories 
discovered by him. I must tell you that this design 
never was executed. A treaty of amity, that is, a 
mutual agreement between the two kings, to preserve 
peace and good will between their respective nations, 
already subsisted, and Ferdinand kept a good look- 
out upon the king of Portugal, so that the latter 
could not have sent out his ships without the know- 
ledge of the former ; and king John did not choose 
to commence a war, as he must have done, had he 
persevered in supplanting the Spanish claim to the 
new world. 

On the 25th of September, at the dawn of day, 
the fleet of Columbus sailed from the Bay of Cadiz. 
On his first departure, the whole town of Palos was 
in tears. Columbus was regarded as a desperate 
adventurer, and his followers as men devoted to 
death. On the present occasion " every tongue 
praised, and blessed him, and his followers were 
looked upon as favoured mortals, destined to golden 
regions, and happy climes, where nothing but wealth 
and wonders, and delights awaited them." Columbus 
reached the Canary islands on the 5th of October, 
and there took in calves, goats, sheep, hogs and 
domestic fowls, together with seeds of oranges, 



100 CARIBBEES. 



lemons, melons, and orchard fruits. Such of thes^ 
anl^nai ; and fruits as now remain in the West Indies 
originated from this stock. 

The voyage was favourable, and on the 2d of No- 
vember, 14^3, a lofty island was descried," at the sight 
of which there were shouts of joy throughout the 
fleet." Columbus gave the island the name of 
Dominica, from its having been discovered on a Sun- 
day. Domini, you know, is the Latin for Lord. Sun- 
day is called the Lord's day ; so you perceive why 
the island was called Dominica. Other islands, in its 
vicinity, were discovered soon after. Look on the 
map now. You will see the Caribbees, extending 
from Porto Rico to the gulf of Paria, in latitude ten 
degi-ees. 

The crew were assembled to return thanks to God 
for their preservation, and this happy discover)'. 
" Such was the pious manner in which Columbus 
celebrated all his discoveries, and which in fact, was 
generally observed by the Spanish and Portuguese 
voyagers. It certainly presents a solemn and beau- i 
tiful picture to the mind ; this congregation of ships, ' 
uniting, as it were, on a Sabbath jubilee, on the tran- 
quil bosom of the deep, and sending up swelling an- 
thems of praise to heaven, for the fair land that was 
rising to their view." 

The second island at which Columbus touched, 
he called Marigalante ; the third he named Gauda- 
loupe. On the first two he saw no inhabitants. At 
Gaudaloupe, some of the adventurers landed on the 
4th of November ; but the inhabitants fled, except a 
few children. These the Spaniards caressed, and 
made them presents of hawk's bells and other trifles, 
to win the good will of their parents. The Indians 
were always very fond of these little bells. They 
used to attach them to their persons, and in their 



CANNIBALS. lOl 



dances their tingling sound would throw them into 
ecstasies. The houses at Gaudaloupe were square, 
and not circular, like those of Hispaniola. The neit 
day Columbus proceeded to examine the coast, 
and wherever they entered the houses perceived 
human bones, and other fragments, which showed 
that the people of the island were cannibals. 

I would gladly believe that no such practice as 
cannibalism ever prevailed ; but Mr. Irving thinks 
that the reports of voyagers but too certainly establinh 
the melancholy fact of its existence. The persons 
whom Columbus sent ashore to explore the island re- 
turned, bringing with them a boy and several women. 
Some of these were natives, and others captives taken 
in war. From the report of the captives, Columbus 
was persuaded that the islanders were Caribs. He 
was told that they made incursions upon other islands 
at the distance of three hundred and fifty leagues. 
*' Their arms were bows and arrows, pointed with the 
bones of fishes, or shells of tortoises, and poisoned 
with the juice of a certain herb. They made descents 
upon the islands, ravaged the villages, carried off the 
youngest and handsomest of the women, whom 
they retained as servants or companions, and made 
prisoners of the men, to be killed and eaten." 

After hearing these accounts, the admiral was dis- 
tressed at finding that Diego Marque, one of his cap- 
tains, and eight men with him, were missing. They 
had gone on shore early in the morning, without per- 
mission, and had not since been seen or heard of. 
The next day they continued absent, and all search 
for them was in vain. Trumpets were sounded and 
guns discharged, by those who went in quest of them, 
but no reply was made, and it was generally feared 
that they had been lost in the woods, and had fallen 
a prev to the savages. 



102 DIEGO MARaL'E. 

The natives of the island fled before the Spaniards, 
but some captive Indians, taking advantage of the 
circumstance, came to the Spaniards for protection. 
From these the admiral learnt that the king of the 
island, with ten canoes and three hundred warriors, 
had gone onsi predatonj cruise — gone to take prisoners 
and whatever else they could find, that belonged to 
the people who should be so unfortunate as to fall 
into their hands. The Carib women, when left at 
home, in the absence of their husbands, were almost 
as warlike as they, and able to defend their property 
in case of an attack. 

Columbus was anxious to proceed to Hispaniola, 
and learn the fate of his garrison at La Navidad ; 
but his concern for Marque and his companions, de- 
termined him to pursue the search for them. Alonzo 
de Oieda volunteered to explore the woods, and the 
admiral accepted of his offer. Ojeda was not more 
successful than the rest ; but he was delighted with 
the beauty of the island. Columbus now gave up 
the stragglers for lost, and was just about to sail, 
when Marque and his sailors appeared in sight. 
When they gave an account of themselves, they 
related, that having gone into the forest, without any 
path to guide them, they had lost their way ; and, 
instead of returning to the ships, they had wandered 
farther and farther from them. They had clambered 
rocks, waded rivers, and struggled through briers and 
thickets. The foliage of the trees prevented them 
from seeing the stars, and they expected to perish with 
hunger in the wilderness, when they suddenly came 
in view of the sea, and by keeping along the shore 
came in sight of the ships. 

Columbus was rejoiced to recover the men ; but 
he thought it his duty to punish them for this irregu- 
larity. They had left the ship without leave, and it 



CARIBS. 103 



was necessary, for naval discipline, that the most 
uniform obedience should be observed. The cap- 
tain was put into confinement for a short time, and 
the men were put on a shorter allowance of food. 

On the 10th of November, Columbus steered to 
the northwest. You may trace his passage from 
Guadaloupe to Porto Rico, and see the islands he 
must have passed. He landed at Santa Cruz, to 
which he gave name. Here five-and-twenty men 
were sent ashore. This island was also inhabited by 
Caribs. As the boat, containing the Spaniards, was 
returning to the ship, it encountered a canoe with a 
tew Indians, two of whom were females. These 
came suddenly in sight of the ships. While they 
were gazing on them with inexpressible astonishment, 
the Spaniards stole close upon them, without being 
perceived ; but as soon as they were discovered the 
natives darted away. The Spaniards pursued them 
more rapidly than they could escape, and contrived 
to get between the canoe and the land. When the 
Indians saw themselves intercepted, they boldly faced 
the Spaniards, and discharged their arrows. 

The women fought as well as the men. One of 
them appeared to assume some authority, and to be 
regarded as a queen. To avoid the arrows, the 
Spaniards ran violently upon the canoe, and over- 
turned it. The Indians, however, did not sink. 
They fought in the water, though the skill of the 
Spaniards at length prevailed, and they v»'ere made 
prisoners. These prisoners were afterwards taken 
to Spain, and used to make people afraid of them, 
by the " frowning brow," and " air of de/iance," 
which they exhibited. 

The Caribs were a more intelligent and enter- 
prising, as well as a more warlike people, than the 
other natives of the West Indies. "As soon as 



104 LA NAVIDAB. 



they could walk, their Amazonian mothers put into 
their hands the bow and arrow, and prepared them 
to take an early part in the hardy enterprises of their 
fathers. Their distant roaming by sea had made 
them conversant and intelligent. The natives of the 
other islands only knew how to divide time by day 
and night, by the sun and moon, whereas these had 
acquired some knowledge of the stars, by which to 
calculate times and seasons." 

On the 22d of November, the admiral's fleet ar- 
rived at the eastern extremity of Hispaniola. Here, 
a Biscayan sailor, who had died of the wound of an 
arrow, which had been aimed at him by one of the 
Caribs, in the late skirmish, was buried. During the 
funeral ceremony, several of the natives came off to 
his ship, V, ith a message to the admiral, from a cacique 
of the neighbouring country, inviting him to land, and 
promising him gold. Columbus declined these offers, 
because he v, as anxious to learn the condition of his 
garrison at La Navidad. 

On the 27th, Columbus arrived in the evening off 
the harbour of La Navidad. It was too dark to 
distinguish any object. The admiral ordered two 
cannon to be fired. " The report echoed along the 
shore, but there was no reply from the fort. Every , 
eye was now directed to catch the gleam of some 
signal light ; every ear listened to hear some friendly 
shout ; but there was neither light, nor shout, nor any) 
other sign of life : All was darkness and death-lika, 
silence." 

About midnight, a canoe approached the vessel. 
Thb Indians would not venture on board until they 
saw the admiral ; they then entered his ship without 
hesitation. One of them was a cousin of the 
cacique Guacanagari ; he brought a present of two 
masks ornamented with gold. Columbus immediately 



CONJECTURES. 106 



inquired about the Spaniards, who had remained on 
the island. There was only one Indian on board the 
vessel, who served for an interpreter, but he was a 
native of one of the Bahamas, and not well ac- 
quainted with the language of Ilayti. 

All that Columbus could learn concerning La 
Navidad, was, that several of the Spaniards had died 
of sickness ; some had fallen in quarrels which had 
occurred among themselves, and others had removed 
to a distant part of the island. That Guacanagari 
had been attacked by Caonabo, the cacique of the 
mountains of Cibao, who had wounded him, and 
burnt his village. Guacanagari lay ill of his wound 
near Hayti, and was unable to welcome the return 
of the admiral personally. The Indians were enter- 
tained, and went ashore before morning, promising to 
return the next day, and bring along with them the 
chief Guacanagari. 

The next day passed away without any intelligence 
of the Indians. During the residence of Columbus 
it this place, the whole vicinity was animated by the 
Indians enjoying themselves in their canoes upon the 
vvater, collected in groups under their shady trees, or 
wimming off to the vessel. Now, there were no 
signs of life ; no smoke rising among the groves, nor 
single dusky form gliding in and out of sight. 
To explain this appearance of desertion, and to 
elieve himself from the state of suspense in regard 
this strange change, Columbus sent a boat to the 
hore. On landing, his men hastened to the place 
Inhere the fortress had been erected. 

On this spot was only a ruin. War and fire had 
een there. A few wretched remains of its occu- 
ants, were spread over the ground ; tattered gar- 
lents, broken chests, and spoiled provisions. Here 
nd there some Indians were seen skulking among 



106 MISCO.NDUCT OF THE SPA>'IARDS. 

the trees, but they shunned all communication with 
the white men. The latter soon returned to the 
admiral, with the melancholy story of what they had 
seen. 

The following morning, Columbus w^ent on shore, 
further to investigate the mysterious fate of Arana 
and his men. For some time, he only saw the same 
sad objects which his men had found. On further 
examination, the bodies of eleven men, known to bet' 
Europeans by their clothing, were discovered, over»«i 
ij!;rown by the grass. At length, some of the Indians, 
appeared, and timidly approached the admiral. They| 
were soon induced, by small presents, to speak as 
freely as they could, and succeeded in making intelli- 
gible, that what the Indians, who first visited Colum- 
bus, had told, was partly true. The factsj as wa« 
afterwards ascertained, were these* 

Don Diego de Arana, the commander, and one or 
two others of the garrison, were respectable, prudenti 
men ; the rest were low and disorderly. Several of) 
them were sailors, who conducted themselves properly 
enough while under command on board a ship, bui 
were utterly lawless ashore, and despised the authoritj. 
of Arana. No sooner was the admiral out of sightt' 
than they forgot his instructions. Few as they were 
and surrounded by multitudes of the natives, th< 
foolish Spaniards abused the confidence of thcMi 
savages in manifold ways— -forcibly taking from then iJi[ 
their wives and daughters, their ornaments, and othe 
property. 

Fierce quarrels arose among themselves, and thi 
injunction of the admhal, that they would remaii 
together, was disregarded, like the rest of his com 
mands. Arana vainly attempted to govern thes'|fic. 
worthless men. Pedro Gutierrez, and Rodrigo d' ad 
Kscobedo, whom Columbus had left to assist Aran' m 



CAONABO. 107 



in his government, soon attempted to take the chief 
control, but the people refused to obey them, and they 
withdrew from the fortress, with nine other misguided 
persons, Havmg heard wonderful stories of the 
mines of Cibao, and the golden sands of its rivers, 
they all set off for that district. 

Cibao was in the province of Maquana, in the 
interior of the island. Maquana was ruled by 
Caonabo, called by the Spaniards, the lord of the 
golden house. Caonabo was a Carib. He had 
come among these simple and peaceable people, and 
they had submitted themselves to his control so com- 
pletely, that he was become the most powerful of their 
caciques ; and the subjects of the other caciques 
stood in fear of him, because he was a Carib. As 
60on as Caonabo heard of the white men, and their 
irearms, and their wonderful powers, he thought if 
;hey should attempt to take part with the islanders, 
hat he should have no chance to conquer and govern 
hem. 

When Caonabo heard that Columbus had left the 
sland, and that the white men who remained were 
ilways quarrelling,, and were detested by the natives, 
le hoped that they would be no more in the way of 
lis plans. No sooner did Gutierrez and Escobedo 
snter his dominions, than this mountain chief put 
hem to death. Immediately after the death of the 
Spaniards, Caonabo concerted measures with the 
ihief of Marien, a district in his vicinit} , to attack 
he fortress. But ten nien remained in it with Arana ; 
tje rest lived in houses without, and they had so little 
ear of the natives that they kept no guard. 
In the dead of thq night, when they were all asleep 
J careless security, Caonabo and his warriors, v^^ho 
ad been concealed in the neighbourhood without 
feing discovered, rushed, with horrid veil:*, upon fh^ 



108 GUACANAGARI. 



unsuspecting Spaniards, and took possession of the 
fortress. They next set fire to the houses, in which 
the rest of the white men were. Eight of the men 
fled to the sea-side, and rushing into the waves were 
drowned ; the others were killed by the Indians. 
Guacanagari fought faithfully to defend the Spaniards ; 
but he was wounded in the hand by Caonabo, and his 
village burnt to the ground. This is a sad conclusion 
to a chapter. I wish I could promise you something 
more pleasant for the next ; but the history of Southern 
America is one of the most sad I am acquainted with. 
Still the character of Columbus, so grand and ele- 
vated among men, is enteresting enough to requite 
one for all the painful feelings excited by the cruel, 
selfish, ignorant Spaniards, \vith whom he was as- 
sociated. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Soon after Columbus had received this melancholy 
information, he paid a visit to Guacanagari. Many 
of the Spaniards did not believe what the Indians had 
told concerning the destruction of the fortress ; they 
suspected that Guacanagari had fallen upon their 
countrymen and murdered them in some ungarded 
moment ; and that now, being in fear of Columbus, 
and the men under his control, he dared not acknow- 
ledge the truth, but threw the blame of his own 
treachery upon the mountain Indians. 

Columbus visited the cacique with a numerous train 
of his principal officers, all richly dressed in glittering 
armour. Guacanagari was reclining upon a hamac 



TIMIDITV OF THE HAITIANS. 109 

of cotton net. He received Columbus in an affec- 
tionate manner, and shed many tears, as he related 
the misfortune which had befallen the garrison, at the 
same time exhibiting the v/ounds he and several cf 
his subjects had received in defending the Spaniards. 
After tinishing this sad detail, an exchange of presents 
between the cacique and Columbus took place. 
Articles of gold on the part of Guacanagari, were 
given for beads, hawk's bells, and things of like 
value. The Indian being highly satisfied with what 
he received. 

When Guacanagari shovved his wound it served to 
confirm the suspicions of the Spaniards. There was 
no external Rurt. His leg had been bruised by a 
stone. However, he still complained of pain in the 
part, and moved with difiiculty. IVhatever was the 
fact, Guacanagari was able to return the visit of 
Columbus that very evening. If he had been asto- 
nished by the power and grandeur of the white men 
at sight of two small vessels, and their equipments, 
what must he have thought of their riches and 
prowess, when he beheld the fleet and the multitude 
of men attached to it? The chief circumstance 
which exalted his ideas of the irresistible daring and 
force of the Spaniards, was the display cf their cap- 
tives, the Caribs, whom they held in chains. So 
great was the dread of the timid Haytians of these 
terrible savages, that they dared not even encounter 
their fierce looks. Though the Caribs were in 
chains, the Haytians turned their eyes involuntarily 
away from their fearful and menacing frowns. 

The cacique was struck with admiration at the 
sight of European animals, particularly the horses, 
which were on board the admiral's ship — their 
strength, docility, and noble appearance, so different 
[from the powers of any animal known to him. served 
10 



110 CATALINA. 



to fix his belief that the managers and masters ot 
these extraordinary creatures were more than men. 
On board of the admiral's ship were ten women, who 
had been dehvered from the Caribs ; but who were 
now, in fact, prisoners of the Spaniards. They were 
chiefly natives of Boriquen, or Porto Rico. The 
languages of the different islands were somewhat 
different ; but the islanders were generally able to 
make themselves mutually understood. Among the 
Boriquen prisoners was a beautiful female, whom the 
Spaniards called Catalina. The cacique observed 
this woman, pitied, and perhaps Joved her, for he 
spoke to her with a tone of gentleness and compas- 
sion. 

During the whole of the cacique's visit the admiral 
treated him with respect ; but others on board the 
ship looked upon him with dislike and suspicion. 
Looks of kindness, or of ill-will, are understood by 
every body, child or man, savage or civilized : we 
perceive in a moment, by another's countenance, if 
he doubts our goodness, and hates our presence. 
Guacanagari had not been told that the Spaniards 
said he was a dishonest man ; but he saw that they 
thought so, and he wished to be away from them. He 
was accustomed, formerly, to be received among 
them with confidence and triendship. Now the 
ceremony was respectful, but their manner towards 
him was not affectionate, so he was uncomfortable 
among them, and begged to get ashore. 

The next day the brother of Guacanagari came on 
board the admiral's ship. He pretended that he had 
come to exchange gold for some European trinkets, 
but, in reality, he went to concert a plan with Catalina 
for her deliverance. The cacique had determined 
upon this, when he saw her the day before. He 
thought he should like her for a wife. The ships lay 



]-Lu;nT or c.vtalina. Ill 



three miles from the shore, and the sea was rough. 
Catahna and l\er companions had no way to escape 
but by swimming. These island women were used 
to buffeting the waves. At midnight, when the crew 
were asleep, they let themselves down from the ship, 
and trusting to their strength, committed themselves 
to the sea.' They were heard by the watch. The 
boat was instantly manned, and they were pursued 
to the shore. Four of the women were taken, hut 
Catahna, and the rest of her companions, escaped to 
the woods. 

The next day Columbus sent to Guacanagari to 
demand the Boriquen women, or, if they were not 
with him, to request that he would cause search to be 
made for them, and return them to his vessel. The 
messengers of Columbus could neither find the 
cacique nor the fugitives. Having lost respect for 
the Spaniards on account of the bad conduct of the 
garrison of La Navidad, Guacanagari wished to be 
out of their power ; and immediately after leaving 
the admiral's ship, he and all his household took 
refuge in the mountains. 

Columbus intended to lay the foundation of a city 
in the island of Hispaniola ; but the situation of La 
Navidad was found to be unhealthy, and he fixed 
upon another place, ten miles from the harbour of 
Monte Christi. The animals on board the ships had 
suffered from confinement, and the men had become 
uneasy for want of occupation. When they were 
finally disembarked there was " a general joy at 
escaping from the loathsome prison of the ships, and 
once more treading the firm green earth, and breathing 
the sweetness of the fields." A plan for the new city 
was laid out, and the men speedily went to work. A 
church, a public store-house, and a house of stone, 
for the admiral, were soon constructed. Pwellings 



112 ■ CITY or ISABELLA. 

for th3 colonists were made of wood, plaister and 
reeds. 

But hard labour, exposure to the open air, and salt 
provisions, did not suit the constitution of these 
Spaniards. They could not relish the food eaten by 
the natives, and could not grow rich at once. They 
were not intelligent and virtuous men. .They soon 
l)ecame sickly, quarrelsome, and unhappy. The 
destruction of the fortress was a great disappointment 
to Columbus. He had hoped that the men would 
have collected gold, which he might send to Spain, 
and now he had nothing to send in the ships. He 
feared that the Spanish sovereigns would not believe 
his promises, that his discovery would afford great 
riches to Spain. It was necessary that the ships 
should return, and Columbus resolved, if possible, to 
fmd something which should keep up the reputation 
of his new territory. 

All the Indians declared there were gold mines in 
the interior, and that they lay but three or four days' 
journey iVom that place. Columbus, in order to 
ascertain this fact, sent an expedition to the moun- 
tains. Don Alonzo de Ojeda was chosen for this 
enterprise, and he engaged in it the more eagerly 
because it was dangerous ; he was to penetrate into 
the dominions of the mountain cacique, Caonabo. 
For two days the march was through a country for- 
saken by its inhabitants, for they had heard of the 
Spaniards, and were afraid of them. 

On the second night the Spaniards slept upon the 
summit of a high mountain, which they had ascended. 
The next day they looked from this height on a 
delightful plain which lay beneath them. When 
Columbus visited this spot, some time after^vards, he 
gave to the plain the name of Vega Real, or Royal 
Plain. The prospect was beautiful. The country 



INDIAN SLAVES. 113 



exhibited the finest t'oatiire of any landscape — signs 
of human hfe and enjoyment. Ilouses, poor com- 
pared with ours, but suitable to that climate and 
people ; trees for shelter and shade; and fields under 
the rude culture of their owners. Ojeda and his 
companions boldly descended into the villages, and 
were kindly received. 

They had expected to find some of the cities 
described by Marco Polo, for they had not coasted 
the whole island, and still presumed that it was part 
of the continent of Asia. But these people had no 
cities, and were naked and uncivilized, like the other 
islanders. Caonabo did not appear. Gold, the 
favourite object of their wishes, was found among the 
mountains, and in the sands of the rivers, and Ojeda, 
having seen the country, returned with tidings of its 
riches. Garvalan, another cavalier, was sent on a 
different route, and came back to Columbus with 
specimens of gold. The admiral was encouraged 
by these reports, and thought this a proper time to 
send twelve of the ships to Spain, with an account of 
the colony. 

He had about one thousand persons on the island, 
and these stood in need of provisions, of medicine, 
of clothing, and of arms. Columbus, when the ships 
sailed, wrote to their majesties for these supplies. 
In these ships he sent the men, women, and children, 
taken in the Caribbee islands. He trusted, that 
when these people should be instructed in the 
knowledge of the Cathohc faith, and should learn the 
habits of civilized man, they would return to their 
own islands, and teach what they had been taught in 
Spain. Columbus also suggested a plan, that the 
colonists should seize the Caribs, and send them to 
Spain for slaves, where they would be taught the 
Christian religion; and that the merchants should 



10* 



114 CON3PIRACV 



give for • them horses and other animals. By this 
means, he thought the peaceable islanders would be 
delivered fiom their enemies, and the Caribs would 
learn the way to heaven. The sovereigns did not 
approve this scheme. They thought it best to con- 
vert the Caribs, if possible, without making slavey 
of them. 

The new city was called by Columbus, for his royal 
patroness, Isabella. On the 6th of February, 1494, 
high mass was celebrated in the new church. Father 
Boyle, and the other priests, performed the cere- 
mony. Columbus at that time was ill, but he medi- 
tated an expedition to the mountains of Cibao. In 
this he v/as painfully interrupted. Two of the 
Spaniards, Bernal Diaz de Piza, and Fermin Cedo, 
together with numbers more of their comrades, 
became discontented. When they saw the departure 
of the ships, the thought of Spain made them hate 
the new world, and they ardently longed to return. 
Bernal Diaz, therefore, taking advantage of the 
indisposition of Columbus, agreed with the other 
disaffected persons, to seize upon the ships and go 
back to Spain. 

If they had done this without some good reason, 
they would have been severely punished on their ar- 
rival in Spain, so they invented a story to justify 
themselves. It was, that Hispaniola did not con- 
tain mines of gold, and that the specimens which 
Columbus had sent home, had long been in posses- 
sion of the natives ; that the country was unhealthy ; 
and that Columbus was a tyrannical governor. This 
was intended to be told when they should return to 
Spain. But these mutineers did not succeed. They 
were detected before they could get away, and pun- 
ished as the admiral thought proper. This punish- 
ment, which was due to the treacherv of Bernal 



ISLAND EXPLORED. 115 

Diaz and Fermin Cedo, made the Spaniards hate 
Cokimbus, and afflict him by their persecutions as 
lon^ as he Uved. 

When Columbus had put an end to the mutiny, 
he left his new city of Isabella, and his ships, in 
charge of his brother, Don Diego, and departed 
for the gold mines of Cibao. In order to work these 
mines, he took with him workmen and implements. 
On the 12th of March, Columbus set out with four 
hundred men, well armed and equipped, with shining 
helmets, swords, and crossbows, and followed by a 
train of Indians. " They salhed forth from the 
citv in battle array, with banners flying, and sound 
of trumpet and drum," and as many as could pro- 
cure horses were mounted on those animals. 

There was nothing but an Indian foot path, wmd- 
ing through rocks and precipices, or through brakes 
and thickets, to guide them on their way, and they 
were forced to construct a road as they proceeded. 
This road was the first made in the new world. The 
little army of Columbus toiled up the mountain over 
which Ojeda had preceded him, and, descending it, 
entered upon the Vega Real. " When the Indians 
beheld this shining band of warriors, glittering in 
steel, emerging from the mountains, with prancing 
steeds and flaunting banners, and heard, for the first 
time, their rocks and forests echoing to the din of 
drum and trumpet, they might well have been taken 
for something supernatural." 

It is said that the natives supposed the horse and 
his rider to be one animal, and at the sight of them 
fled in great fear, and took refuge in their houses. 
As a defence against the formidable strangers, they 
hastily put up a frame of reeds before their doors. 
Columbus commanded his men not to break through 
these slight fortifications. The fears of the Indians 



116 MOUNTAINS OF CIBAO. 

were soon removed, and they freely gave whatever 
they had to the Spaniards. After a march of fif- 
teen miles across the plain, they came to the banks 
of a beautiful river, called by the natives the Yagui, 
but Columbus called it the river of reeds. On the 
evening of the second day they arrived at the gold- 
en mountains of Cibao, the summits of which over- , 
look the Vega. This plain, in the midst of the 
island of Hispaniola, is two hundred and forty miles 
in length, and from sixty to ninety in breadth. 

The natives recollected the visit of Ojeda, and 
were acquainted with the avidity of the Spaniards 
for gold. The streams which watered this region 
brought down particles of gold dust, and the natives 
collected and offered them to the Spaniards. One 
old man brought two pieces of pure gold, of an 
ounce weight each. Columbus presumed, that if 
these mountains should be opened, they would be 
found to contain immense quantities of this precious 
metal. He thought that it was not expedient to 
search farther for gold until this experiment was 
made ; so he determined to erect a fort at a conve- 
nient place, to leave men in it to work the mines, , 
and to have the country explored by another party. 

The fortress was placed on an eminence ; at the ; 
foot of which lay one of those verdant plains, called i 
by the natives, savannas. The fortress was called I 
St. Thomas. Columbus left in it a garrison of fifty- 
six men, commanded by one Pedro Margarite. He 
then set out for Isabella, which was distant about y 
fifty-five miles. While the admiral remained among K 
the mountains, he sent a yoimg cavalier, Juan de '21 
Luxan, to explore the country. From him Colum- k 
bus learned much of the character and customs ffi 
of the natives. I will briefly inform you of somcjii 
facts which he observed in respect to these people. ' fii 



RELIGION OF THE NATIVES. 117 

No savage nation, totally destitute of religion, 
has ever been discovered by civilized men. The 
Indians of these islands beheved in the Supreme 
Deity ; one G od, the father and maker of all. They 
never addressed prayers directly to God, but used 
little idols, called zemes, as messengers, or me- 
diators. They believed that these offered their wor- 
ship to God. Each cacique had his own particular 
zemi, whom he would pretend to consult, as the 
Greeks used to consult oracles, when he wished to 
know whether it were well to begin, or to refrain 
from any undertaking. This idol was of an ugly 
shape, and made of clay or cotton ; something like 
a doll, or rag baby. The cacique's zemi had a 
house consecrated^ or made holy for his abode, like 
the temples of the ancients. 

Every family, and every individual has its zemi. 

You have read of the Lares and Penates, the house- 

iiold gods of the Romans. In this particular, their 

'eligion, and that of the Indians, were alike. The 

igure of a zemi was often carved upon their furni- 

ure, or houses, and sometimes carried about the 

Person as a charm, or protection from injury. You 

nay have read of talismans and amulets, and have 

leard of relics and luckij bones. Talismans and 

imulets are certain words written, or figures engraved 

^pon something ; or, they are stones kept by a per- 

on to prevent sickness, or danger. The Mahome- 

ans use them. Relics are something which once 

elonged to a holy person, now dead. The Roman 

Jatholics now use these, as the Indians did their 

iemes. — An American gentleman once told me, that, 

eing forced to travel through a long, uninhabited 

•act in Mexico, a Spanish lady gave him an alliga- 

>r's tooth, which some priest had blessed, as a pro- 



118 DEITIES AND PRIESTS. 

tions of ignorant people of all nations, how far apart 
soever, are alike. 

The Indians believed, that every tree, and river, 
had its zeni, just as the Greeks beheved that the 
Dryads and Satyrs lived in their woods, and Naiads 
and Nereids in the waters. The Indians supposed, 
that their zemes saved them from being hurt in their 
battles ; that they gave them rich harvests, and 
good hick, or success, in hunting aAd fishing. They 
also believed, that when they were offended, they 
caused violent storms, and brought upon them any 
affliction. 

The natives had priests, called butios, who some- 
times drank the infusion of a certain herb, and were 
intoxicated by it, as the priestess of Apollo among 
the Greeks used to bewilder, or make herself de- 
lirious ; and the butios, like the Pythia, would pre- 
tend to foretel future events. The butios were 
physicians as well as priests, and gave medicines 
with many ceremonies, pretending to exorcise, or turn 
out the malady. These butios often assisted the 
caciques to deceive their people, by speaking through 
the mouth of the zemes, and ordering the men tc 
follow their chief to battle, by promising them what 
they desired, or threatening to punish them if they 
refused obedience to the cacique. 

You may read, in the mythology, some accountf 
of the worship of Pan and Bacchus among th( 
Greeks. The Indians had a religious ceremony 
somewhat like those of the Greeks. This cere 
mony is thus described by Mr. Irving. " The ca 
cique proclaimed a day, when a kind of festival wa 
to be held in honour of his zemes. His subject 
assembled from all parts, and formed a solemn pre 
cession; the married men and women, decorate 
with their most precious ornaments ; the youn 



UEMGIOUS FESTIVAL. 119 

females entirely naked. The cacique, or the prin- 
cipal personage, marched at the head, beating a kind 
of drum. 

" In this way, they proceeded to the consecrated 
house, or temple, in which were set up the images 
of the zemes. Arrived at the door, the cacique 
seated himself on the outside, continuing to beat 
his drum, while the procession entered ; the females 
carrying baskets of cakes, ornamented with flowers, 
and singing as they advanced. Their offerings were 
received by the butios with loud cries, or rather 
howhngs. They broke the cakes after they had 
offered to the zemes, and distributed the morsels to 
heads of families, who preserved them carefully 
throughout the year, as preventives of all adverse 
accidents. This done, at a signal, the females 
danced, singing songs, in honour of the zemes, or 
in praise of the heroic actions of their ancient 
caciques. The whole ceremony finished by in- 
voking the zemes to watch over and protect the 
nation." 

The Haytian Indians had strange notions con- 
cerning the beginning of this world. There is a 
liarge cavern about twenty miles from Cape Frangois. 
t is about one hundred and fifty feet in depth, and 
receives light from a hole in the roof. The Indians 
relieved that from this hole the sun and moon came 
brth at creation. This cavern was held in great 
eneration by the natives. Its entrance was adorned 
kvith green branches ; and when there was want of 
•ain they made pilgrimages and processions to it, 
A^ith songs and dances, bearing offerings of fruits 
md flowers. 

You will be amused when I tell you two of their 
ables. One concerning the origin of mankind, and 
he other concerning the deluge. They believed 



120 FABLE OF CREATION. 

that besides the cavern of the sun and moon, there 
was another, from which men first proceeded. This 
cavern had two openings, a larger and a smaller. 
According to their belief^ large men came from the 
large aperture, and small men from the small one. 
The men were for a long time without women, but 
one day as they were near a small lake the men saw 
some strange animals on the branches of a tree.' 
The men tried to catch these animals, but found 
them so slippery that they glided like eels from their 
hands. Afterwards they employed men who had 
very rough hands, to catch these slippery creatures. 
Four of them were taken. The animals proved to 
be women; and from these were descended all 
mankind. 

Their fable of the deluge is quite as curious. 
" They said there once lived in the island a mighty 
cacique, whose only son conspiring against him, he 
slew him. He afterwards collected and cleaned his 
bones, and preserved them in a gourd, as was the 
custom of the natives with the relics of their friends. 
On a subsequent day the cacique and his wife opened 
the gourd to contemplate the bones of their son, 
when, to their astonishment, several fish, great and 
small, leaped out. Upon this the cacique closed the 
gourd, and placed it on the top of his house, boasting 
that he had the sea shut up within it, and could have 
fish whenever he pleased. Four brothers, however, 
born at the same birth, and curious intermeddlers, 
hearing of this gourd, came, during the absence of 
the cacique, to peep into it. In their carelessness 
they suffered it to fall to the ground, when it was 
dashed to pieces, and thence issued forth a mighty 
flood, with dolphins, and sharks, and great tumbhng 
whales ; and the water spread until it overflowed the 
earth, and formed the ocean, leaving only the tops 



TREATMENT OP THE DEAD. 121 

of the mountains uncovered, and these formed the 
islands." 

When a cacique was sick, they would, if he were 
likely to die, strangle him out of respect. Common 
people were left alone to die in solitude. Some- 
times the body of a cacique was dried and preserved. 
The bodies of the common people were sometimes 
buried, and sometimes burned. They had an idea of 
a happy place, where the souls of dead men joined 
the souls of others who had gone before them. The 
Indian paradise resembled that of Mahomet. Shady 
bowers, delicious fruits, and beautiful females, form 
the happiness of departed spirits, according to the 
notions both of Mahomedans and Indians. 

The Indian dances were representations of their 
history — of their hunting, and of their battles. The 
dances harmonized with the metre of certain songs 
which rehearsed the deeds of their ancestors. These 
ballads were called areytos. They had also songs of 
love and of grief. This is a short sketch of the 
religion and the customs of these islanders ; of a 
people now vanished from the earth. Where they 
enjoyed the luxuries of nature, a delicious climate, 
and a productive soil, in ease and repose, the white 
man has set his foot, and raised his habitation, and 
the toil and bondage of the slave has succeeded to 
the indolence and liberty of the savage. Still indus- 
try and civiUzation are better than sloth, ignorance, 
and barbarism. If you do not understand me now 
you will when you are older, and have learned to 
think, and are become acquainted with the history 
of many nations. 

On the 29th of March, 1494, Columbus arrived 

at Isabella, and found that all the seeds committed 

to the ground had begun to vegetate ; and many 

plants, sugar-cane, melons, and wheat, and several 

11 



122 MELANCHOLY CHANGES. 

other species had grown rapidly. But the provisions 
brought from Europe were nearly consumed, and the 
Spaniards daily became more sickly and more dis- 
satisfied. Very soon after his return, Columbus 
heard that the men at St. Thomas had quarrelled 
with the natives. This garrison, as well as that of 
La Navidad, as soon as the authority of Columbus 
was withdrawn, began to insult and oppress the 
islanders, who, in their turn, quarrelled with the 
intruders. 

The climate proved to be so unfavourable to the 
Spaniards that many of them died at Isabella, and 
many more were too ill to work. AH the labour of 
cooking, gi-inding wheat, (for they had no mills,) cul- 
tivating the soil, and tending the sick, fell upon those 
who were well. To prevent famine before supplies 
could be obtained from Spain, the whole colony was 
put on a hmited allowance of food, and every 
man, of high or low rank, was required to labour 
for the benefit of the whole. 

Men of old families, who had not been accus- 
tomed to labour, and who had come to the new world 
only to get rich, were very angry at Columbus that 
he made them, as well as the rest, work hard, and 
fare sparingly. Friar Boyle was more offended than 
any body. These proud Spaniards, imaccustomed 
to labour, felt it to be painful as well as disgraceful, 
and from this time they began to persecute C olum- 
bus, who they thought imposed these toils and hard- 
ships upon them. 

In order to turn the minds of his follov/ers from 
their distresses and discontents at Isabella, Colum- 
bus proposed to detach considerable numbers from 
that place. Some for a new voyage of discovery 
which he would command in his own person, and 
others in an expedition to explore the island. This^ 



INLAND EXPEDITION. 123 

expedition was to be commanded by Pedro Margarite, 
the commander of Fort St. Thomas. That fort was to 
be entrusted to Ojeda. On the 9th of April, Ojeda who 
was to head the exploring party till they should reach 
the fort, set out on his adventure at the head of four 
hundred men — officers and soldiers. Sixteen of this 
number were mounted on horses, and the rest pro- 
ceeded on foot, all armed, and in military array. 

Columbus laid the strictest orders on these men to 
observe certain regulations in their conduct. The 
principal directions were to refrain from all insult or 
deception towards the Indians, to treat them with 
kindness and justice, and to purchase from them such 
provisions as they should need. They were never 
to take any article of property forcibly or secretly 
from the natives ; and if the latter should steal any 
tiling belonging to the Spaniards, they were to be 
punished for their dishonesty. The natives do not 
appear to have been ignorant of the rights of pro- 
perhj — that is, every man's privilege to keep to him- 
self, or to do what he chooses with his own. 

None of these wise and benevolent regulations 
were adhered too by Margarite, and the conse- 
quences were, that the Spaniards were disgraced, the 
Indians destroyed, and an unjust censure brought 
upon the generous and honourable Columbus. 
Ojeda, on his arrival at the Vega, learned that three 
Spaniards coming from the fortress of St. Thomas, 
had been robbed by five Indians, and that when 
complaint for this outrage had been made to the 
cacique he had justified the thieves and shared their 
booty. Ojeda upon hearing this, sought for the 
thieves, and having caught one, ordered his ears to be 
cut oifin the public square of one of the villages ; he 
then sent the cacique with his son and nephew in 
chains to Columbus. 



124 COAST OF CUBA. 

The prisoners were accompanied to Isabella by 
another cacique, who went, hoping to prevail on 
Columbus to forgive them. Columbus thought it 
best to make these men an example, so he seemed to 
disregard the entreaties of the cacique, and ordered 
the prisoners to be taken to the public square with 
their hands tied behind them, and there to have their 
heads struck off. At the place of execution the 
friendly cacique once more wept, and prayed, and 
earnestly supplicated Columbus to spare the offend- 
ers, promising at the same time that the Indians 
should never again rob the Spaniards. Columbus 
yielded to these entreaties, and pardoned his captives. 

At the moment of their dismission, a horseman 
arrived from St. Thomas, who, in passing the village 
of the captive cacique, had found five Spaniards de- 
tained by the Indians. The Indians had always mani- 
fested great terror at the sight of a horse ; and this 
single horseman so intimidated those who held the 
Spaniards in captivity, that they all, to the number of 
four hundred, fled at his approach. Perceiving their 
timidity, the horseman pursued, wounded several of 
them witli his lance, and brought off his countrymen 
in triumph. 

These instances served to convince Columbus 
that the Indians would never be formidable enemies, 
but might easily be governed. After the departure of 
Ojeda, Columbus organized a plan for the govern- 
ment of the island during liis absence. The chief 
magistrate was Don Diego Columbus. Father Boyle, 
and three others, were appointed to be his counsellors 
or advisers. 

Columbus sailed with a small squadron from Isa- 
bella, on the 24th of April, with the intention of 
exploring the south coast of Cuba. He proceeded 
for some days along this shore, and wherever he 



JAMAICA. 125 



landed, found natives of the same character as those 
he had known at other parts of the island. At first 
timid, but easily attracted towards white men, and, 
as soon as they had ceased to fear, confiding, gene- 
rous, and hospitable. Gold, as usual, was de- 
manded by the Spaniards, and the Indians pointed 
always to a south country as the land which afforded 
it. This intimation induced Columbus to abandon 
Cuba for a season. On the 3d of May, he turned 
directly south in quest of the promised land. 

Columbus had not sailed far before he came in 
sight of the beautiful island of Jamaica. The natives 
crowded to the shore at his approach, and seventy 
canoes, filled with natives gayly painted, and armed 
with lances of pointed wood, came towards the 
admiral's ship. This armament were neither curious 
nor courteous. They assumed a menacing attitude, 
and uttered yells of defiance ; but Columbus knew 
how to conciliate them by mild manners, and such 
little presents as had never failed to gain the aflfection 
of the savages. They accepted the gift of beads 
and other baubles, and suffered the admiral to con- 
tinue his course. 

The next day, the admiral anchored at a place 
now called St. Ann's Bay. It was found necessary 
to repair one of the vessels, which leaked, and here 
Columbus prepared to land, but the Indians en- 
deavoured to prevent him. These Indians, unlike 
those of Cuba and Kayti, exhibited the warhke 
character of the Caribs, " hurling their javelins at the 
ships, find making the shores resound with their yells 
and war-whoops." The admiral, though he was most 
kindly disposed towards the savages, persevered in 
his design to land, to procure fresh water, and to 
repair his vessel. In order to accomphsh this, it was 
necessary to convince the Indians that the force of 
11* 



126 ST. ANN'S BAY. 



the white men was altogether superior to theirs. He 
caused armed men to row in the boats directly to the 
shore, and to pour a volley of arrows upon the 
natives — thus several Indians were wounded and the 
rest fled in confusion. The Spaniards were not 
content with this, but when they had set foot on land 
set dogs upon the runaways. This was the first time 
that dogs were employed to hunt men ; afterwards, 
the blood-hound, a most ferocious and sanguinary 
animal, was frequently employed to hunt the unhappy 
Indians ; and even to the present time, fugitive 
negroes in the West Indies are sought out for their 
hard masters by this cruel expedient. 

When Columbus landed, he took possession of the 
island, and gave it the Spanish name of Santiago. 
This name has been dropped, and the original Indian 
name, Jamaica, restored. The day following the 
landing, the natives returned to the shore, and brought 
presents from their chieftains to the admiral. The 
products of Jamaica resembled those o-f the other 
islands, but were of a superior quality. 

During three days, the ships were detained at St, 
Ann's Bay, then called by Columbus, Santa Gloria, 
from the very splendid scenery which surrounded! 
it. The natives appeared to be more ingenious, 
as well as more warlike, than those of Cuba and 
Hayti. " Their canoes were better constructed ; 
being ornamented with carving and painting at the 
bow and stern. Many were of great size, though 
formed from the trunks of single trees ; often from a 
species of the maliogany. Columbus measured one, 
which v/as ninety-sLx feet long, and eight broad, 
hollowed out of one of those magnificent trees, whict 
rise like verdant towers amidst the rich forests of thf 
tropics. Every cacique prided himself on possessing , 
a large canoe of the kind, which he seemed to regan '• 



INDIAN ADVENTURER. 127 

as his ship of slate.^' This ship of state signifies a 
ship proper to be used by a man of high rank upon 
some particularly important occasion. 

Finding no gold, and getting no intelligence where 
any could be found at Jamaica, Columbus thought it 
best to return to the coast of Cuba. He wished to 
learn whether or not that island was part of a conti- 
nent. An interesting fact in respect to a young 
Indian, is mentioned by the biographer of Columbus, 
at this period of his history. 

When the admiral was about to depart from 
Jamaica, a young Indian came off to the ship, and 
entreated that he might be permitted to go with the 
Spaniards to their country. He was followed by his 
relatives and friends, who appeared to love him 
dearly, and appeared to be grieved and distressed 
that he should desire to leave them. They supph- 
cated him to remain at home, and he seemed to feel 
unwilling to afflict them. He listened at one 
moment with concern to their persuasions, and the 
next looked longingly at the wonderful strangers. 

Curiosity, and the love of adventure, are strong 
passions in young minds. The desire of beholding 
another portion of the globe — the land of the white 
men, was stronger in this youth than the love of his 
country and his friends. Still he could not bear to 
afflict his sisters and others, who shed tears because 
he persevered in his resolution to quit them ; so he 
tore himself away, and hid himself in a part of the ship 
where they could not follow him. 

Columbus loved the enterprising and confiding 
spirit of this young Indian, He resembled the 
admiral in his desire to increase his knowledge of 
mankind, and perhaps in his disposition to do good. 
Whether he acquired any useful knowledge in Spain, 
whether he was happy in Europe, or whether h© 



128 SOUTH SHORE OF CUBA. 

returned to his friends, is not told by the Spanish 
historians ; but his imperfect history is interesting, 
as an exhibition of Indian character. 

On the 18th of May, Cohimbus arrived once more 
at the coast of Cuba, and went on shore. Here he 
inquired of the natives concerning the extent of their 
country, and whether it was part of a continent. 
They replied, that it was an island, but of vast size, ' 
for no one had seen the end of it. This vague in- 
formation did not satisfy the admiral, and he resolved u 
to pursue his examination of the coast till he should as- • 
certain whether it really was the eastern limit of Asia. . 

But as the squadron advanced in a westerly direct- • 
ion the navigation became difficult, from the multi- ■ 
tude of small islands lying near each other, imme- - 
diately south of this part of Cuba. These little?, 
islands are sometimes called keys, from the Spanish i 
word, cayos — in Enghsh, rocks. To a cluster off 
the least rocky and more fertile of these islands, Co-^t-i 
lumbus gave the name of the Queen's Garden. i 

Mr. Irving describes this part of the voyage withi, 
singular beauty. "Columbus pursued his voyage ^^ 
v/ith a prosperous breeze along the supposed conti- - 
nent of Asia. He was now nearly opposite to that t; 
part of the southern side of Cuba, where for nearly \ 
thirty-five leagues the navigation is unembarrassed 
by barflis and islands. To his left was the broad and i 
open sea — to his right extended the richly wooded i| 
province of Ornafay ; the verdant coast watered by 
innumerable streams, and studded with Indian villages. 

" The appearance of the ships spread wonder and i 
joy along the seaboard. The natives hailed with 
acclamations the arrival on their shores of these ; 
v/onderful beings, whose fame had circulated more 
or less throughout the island, and who brought with 
them the blessings of the skies. They came off 



HAPPINESS OF THE PEOPLE. 129 

swimming, or in their canoes,7roi7S"e7fdtr^! 
productions of fhe Innd, and reajarded the white men 
almost with adoration. After the usual evenin- 
shower, when the breeze blew from the shore, and 
brought off the sweetness of the land, it bore with it 
also the distant songs of the natives, and the sound 
of their rude music, as tliey were probably celebra- 
ting, with their national chants, and dances, the ar- 
hval ot the white men." 

At the present time, this part of Cuba exhibits a 
melancholy scene. It is the same which may be 
ound on the map extending westward of the city of 
rrmidad, along the gulf of Xagua. The Spaniards, 
;Vho afterwards colonized Cuba, and their descend- 
mts, who have since inhabited and governed that 
sland, have taken the lands, and by their unjust and 
^ruel treatment of the savages, have put an end to 
Ueir existence as a people ; and this territory, once 
o animated and happy, is become a desert and a 
oiitary place. 

Humboldt, a very enlightened and perseverintr 
•aveller, who, about twenty years ago, explored thes? 
hores speaks thus of them : « I passed a great 
art of the night upon the deck. What deserted 
oasts ! not a light to announce the cabin of a fish- 
rman. From Batabano to Trinidad there does not 
xist a village. Yet in the time of Columbus this 
^nd was mhabited even along the margin of the sea. 
/hen pits are dug in the soil, or the torrents plough 
3en the surface of the earth, there are often found 
itchets of stone, and vessels of copper— relics of 
e ancient inhabitants of the island." 

Columbus persisted in his westerly course for some 
lys, and encountered various difficulties from keys, 
md banks, and narrow channels, or passages among 
llands whore the ships had not room to turn." At 



130 HOSPITALITY OF THE NATIVES. 



one time they came to where the sea was almost 
covered with tortoises ; at another flights of cormo- 
rants and wood pigeons darkened the sun ; and one 
day the whole air was filled with gaudy clouds of J 
butterflies, until dispelled by the evening shower." ^ 
The condition of the ships, the poorness of their 
provisions, and the fatigues of navigation, dispirited 
the crew, and induced them to remonstrate against, 
proceeding, and Columbus yielded to their entreaties. ' 
On the 13th of June, he turned his course to the' 
southeast, at a place from which, in three days' sail-I 
ing to the westward, he would have reached the ex- 
tremity of Cuba. Thus he would have proved that 
Cuba was an island; but he never ascertained that 
and died in the belief that it was part of Asia. 

No memorable incident occurred in the return ot 
Columbus till the 7th of July. On that day the 
squadron anchored in a convenient harbour, m thr 
mouth of a fine river, to allow the crews a seasor 
of rest and refreshment. The cacique of the neighl 
bouring country immediately welcomed the arriva 
of the strangers, and, as was usual to the savages 
offered them abundance of fruits, cassava bread| 
fish, and pigeons. 

' You will remember that Christians, at that timci 
considered the territories of all nations, uninstructe^ 
in Christianity, as their lawful property; and ths^ 
Catholics, when they took possession of heathe' 
countries, erected a cross and performed an act o> 
worsliip, to express that they were Christians, an 
were about to establish the religion of Christ in the 
part of the world. 

Columbus having landed, ordered a large cros 
of wood to be erected on the bank of the rive; 
This ceremony was performed on a Sunday morr 
ing, with great solemnity, being attended with th= 



CELEBRATION - OF MASS. 13X 

.before, now I will explain it The mass is a religious 
service of the CathoHc church. The prl7tsZ. 
rounded by vvorshippers, offer prayers and pm Les 
oAh.u,hty God; and, at the saL time, a^ ' "b 
stance called tnccnse, which emits a sweet odour is 
^urnt : and tapers of wax are also kept burn hli 
rhe bannng of mcense was part of L Je^fh 
worship, as you read in the Old Testament. The 

iflJinT fh f ^'"^'"i.' '' " ^^"^"^'^ expression, sig- 
fymg that praise from a sincere heart ascends to 
e throne of God, and is accepted by him, in the 

\TL"lTr "' '^' i""""' "^ "^^^^^^^ rises towards 
ie^visible heavens. Let us now return to Colum- 
ns preparations were making for the mass, the 
r Pf^'^^!^'^? by their countenances and manner 
at the Spaniards were in a religious frame of mind' 
Id were about to attend a suitable service. Upon 
IS occasion, the cacique, and a venerable Indian 
urscore years of age, and the cacique's principal 
purite, met Columbus. This old man presented 
him a string of beads, and some fine fruit, as an 
pression of good will ; and after he had accepted 
1 gitts, the aged man took one of the admiral's 
lids and the cacique the other, and all three pro- 
ided m that affectionate manner to the grove where 
I mass was to be celebrated. They were follow- 
,by a multitude of the natives, who regarded the 
emony which ensued with silent attention and 
erence. 

iVhen the service was ended, the old man ap. • 
ached Columbus, and addressed to him a short 
jourse, which the Lucayan interpreter repeated 
Jpanish, and which is thus recorded by Mr. Irving 
his which thou hast been doin'z," said the vene- 



132 A VENERABLE OLD MAN. 



rable man, " is well ; for it appears to be thy manner 
of giving thanks to God. I am told, that thou hast 
lately come to these lands with a mighty force, and 
hast subdued many countries, spreadmg great fear 
amono- the people ; but be not, therefore, vam glo- 
rious ° Know, that, according to our belief, the souls 
of men have two journeys to perform after they have 
departed from the body; one to a place dismal and 
foul, and covered with darkness, prepared for tnose 
who have been unjust to their fellow men ; the other 
pleasant and full of delight, for such as have pro-i 
moted peace on earth. If, then, thou art mortal, and 
dost expect to die, and dost believe that each shall 
be rewarded according to his deeds, beware that 
thou wrongfully hurt no man, nor do harm to those 
who do no harm to thee." 

This beautiful oration touched the admn*al's heart- 
He replied, he had conceived that no religious faitll 
of the kind, which the Indian had expressed, existet 
among his countrymen, and he rejoiced to hear sue! 
doctrines from one of them. He continued, that hi 
had been sent by his sovereigns, to teach them thl 
true religion ; and to protect them against their cru€ 
enemies, the Caribs. That, therefore, all peaceabl 
and good men might look upon him as a protectc 
and friend. 

The old man appeared to be overjoyed at 1* 
admiral's words, and the interpreter surprised hk 
by the assurance, that Columbus was not a king, bi 
a subject ; and he was still more astonished by tli 
account, which the interpreter proceeded to give, i 
• his visit to Spain. " The splendid cities ; the va 
churches ; the troops of horsemen ; the great anima 
of various kinds ; the pompous festivals and toum 
ments of the court; the glittering armies; a» 
above all, the bull-fights," 



DKJRESSION. 133 



The Indians all listened in amazement, but the old 
man was, above all, interested. He was, himself, a 
great traveller, according to his own notions of the 
world. He had visited Hispaniola, Jamaica, and 
the remote parts of Cuba, and now, old as he was, 
lie would have gladly embarked with Columbus to 
behold Europe, but his wife and children prevailed 
with him to abandon such an undertaking. 



In the whole history of Columbus, my dear children, 
there is not, according to my feelings, a more inter- 
esting passage than that I have just related to you. 
Think about it ; employ your imaginations to con- 
ceive the shady trees that overshadowed the worship- 
pers of God, where no building was erected to his 
honour. Imagine Christians offering prayers to the 
father and preserver of all men, and the poor, un- 
taught savages, beholding the solemnity, with awe 
and devotion of heart. Then represent to your- 
selves, the aged man, acknowledging and inculcating 
that great truth of God's government — retributive jus- 
tice, — which is, punishment to the wicked, and grace, 
mercy, and peace, to those who promote the happiness 
of their fellow-creatures. 

The worship of God, in the open air, is beautiful. 
Read these hnes : 

The groves were God's first temples. Ere man learned 
To hew the shaft, and lay. the architrave, 
And spread the roof above them — ere he framed 
The lofty vault, to gather and roll back 
The sound of anthems ; in the darkling wood, 
Amidst the cool and silence, he knelt down 
And offered to the Mightiest, solemn thanks 
And supplication. For his simple heart 
]MiffIu not resist the sacred influences, 
12 



134 NATURAL RELIGION. 

That, from the stilly twilight of tlie place, 
And from the gray old trunks tliat high in heaven 
Mingled their mossy tops, stole over him, and bowed 
His spirit with the thousfht of boundless power 
And inaccessible majesty. 

The preceding verses were v/ritten by a poet* of| 
our own country ; I hope you will one day be well 
acquainted with all that he has written, and that the 
heavenly and devotional spirit which breathes in his 
serious poetry will elevate your young hearts also. 

The different religions of the Spaniards, and of all 
Christians ; and that of the Indians, and all heathens, 
are, by way of distinction, called revealed and natural 
religion. When you read your Bible, you know that 
Moses and the prophets, before Christ, and the apos- 
tles after him, were instructed by God in what they 
should teach mankind. These instructions from 
God, are revealed religion. But those who have 
never received such instructions, and only believe 
that a wise and good Being made and governs all 
things, only enjoy natural religion. St. Paul speaks of 
natural religion, where he says of God, " he is clearly 
seen in the things that are made." It may be that 
Adam, N^oah, and other patriarchs, left God's first 
revelations to their descendants, and this primitive 
revelation being related from father to son, has com- 
municated a belief in the existence of God, and 
some notions of his government, successively to all 
men, thus forming what is generally called natural 
religion ; while the later and more particular revela- 
tions of Moses, Christ, and the apostles, have been 
bestowed upon a more favoured portion of mankind. 

You know that Christ says, the wicked shall go 
into everlasting punishment, and the righteous into 



* W, C. Brvant. 



ANALOGY. 135 



the blessedness of his Father, in another Ufe. The 
Indian doctrine of two journeys, two destinations of 
departed souls, exhibits the same moral fact, or reli- 
gious truth, as the Christian recompense of good and 
bad conduct. Such a resemblance is one of the 
analogies or similar principles of natural and revealed 
religion. 

I should not have made this digression, should not 
have turned from the narrative of Columbus's history, 
had I been writing for men, but I write for your 
instruction, as well as amusement, my little boys, 
and when I find, in the course of a history, a suitable 
occasion to give you information, which is associated 
with something previously known to you, and which 
I know, that at your age, you cannot have received, 
I choose to tell you what may be of service to you, 
whenever you shall read other books, or listen to the 
conversation of persons who are older and better 
instructed than a child can be. 






CHAPT m Til. 

Contrary winds prevented Columbus from re- 
turning directly to Hispaniola, so he steered to the 
south, and completed the circumnavigation of Jamai- 
ca. For a whole month he was advancing from the 
west to the east along its southern coast. Columbus 
was delighted with this beautiful island, though he 
could not leave his crazy ships, and their disorderly 
€rews, to survey it ; but he anchored at different 
harbours, and the natives came ofl' in canoes to the 
^hhrri. offering provisions to the Spaniards, and cou- 



136 A TA.MILY OF JAMAICA. 

versing with them by means of the liucyan interpre- 
ter. This Indian never failed to relate the wondev- 
of Spain to the dehghted savages, and many of then;, 
like the old man whom I formerly mentioned to you, 
became desirous to join the Spaniards. One instance 
is recorded of a whole family who solicited the 
privilege of placing themselves under the govern- 
ment and protection of the admiral. 

One morning as the ships were gliding gently along 
near the coast, three canoes were seen approaching 
them in regular order. One larger than the others 
took the lead ; it was handsomely carved and painted. 
The two smaller canoes seemed to be in attendance 
upon the larger. In the large canoe were seated the 
cacique of the neighbouring province, his wife, two 
sons, two daughters, and five brothers. The elder 
daughter was about eighteen years of age ; her sis- 
ter was somewhat younger. These females, accord- 
ing to the custom of their countiy, were without 
clothes ; but of a modest deportment. In the prow 
of the canoe stood a standard-bearer, holding aloft a 
jEluttering white banner — he v/as clad in a mantle 
made of feathers, and wore in his hair a tuft of gay 
plumes. " Two Indians, with caps or helmets of 
feathers of a similar form and colour, and their faces 
painted in a similar manner, beat upon tabors ; two 
others, with hats curiously wrought of green feathers, 
held trumpets of a fine black wood, ingeniously 
carved ; and there were six others, with large hats of 
white feathers, who appeared to l)e guards to the 
cacique. 

" This gallant little armada having arrived along 
side of the admiral's ship, the cacique entered 
on board with all his train. He appeared in all his 
regalia'^ — in the ornaments which belonged to him 
as a prince, and which are only worn upon great occa- 



STATE AND DECORATIONS. 137 

sions. " Around his head was a band of small 
stones of various colours, but principally green, 
symmetrically arranged, with large white stones at 
intervals, and connected in front by a large jewel of 
gold. Two plates of gold were suspended to his 
ears by rings of very small green stones. To a 
necklace of white beads, of a kind deemed precious 
by them, was suspended a large plate in the form 
of a fleur de lis, of guanin, an inferior species of 
gold ; and a girdle of variegated stones, similar to 
those round his head, completed his regal deco- 
rations. His wife was adorned in a similar man- 
ner, having also a very small apron of cotton, and 
bands of the same round her arms and legs. The 
daughters were without ornaments, except the eld- 
est and handsomest, who had a girdle of small 
black stones, from which was suspended a tablet, 
the size of an ivy leaf, composed of various coloured 
stones, embroidered on network of cotton. 

" When the cacique entered on board the ship, he 
distributed presents, of the productions of his island, 
among the officers and men. The admiral was at 
this time in his cabin, engaged in his morning de- 
votions. When he appeared on deck, the chieftain 
hastened to meet him with an animated countenance. 
" My friend," said he, " I have determined to leave 
my country, and to accompany thee. I have heard 
from these Indians who are with thee, of the irresis- 
tible power of thy sovereigns, and of the many na- 
tions thou hast subdued in their name. Whoever 
refuses obedience to thee, is sure to suffer. Thou 
hast destroyed the canoes and dwellings of the Ca- 
ribs, slaying their warriors, and carrying into enp- 
tivity their wives and children. All the islands are in 
dread of thee ; for who can withstand thee now that 
thou knowest the secrets of the land, and the weak 
12* 



138 COMPASSION OF COLUMBUe!. 



ness of the people. Rather, therefore, than thou 
shouldst take away my dominions, I will embark, with 
all my household, in thy ships, and will go to do 
homage to thy king and queen, and to behold their 
marvellous country, of which thy Indians relate such 
wonders." 

"When this speech was explained to Columbus, 
and he beheld the wife, the sons, and daughters of 
the cacique, and thought upon the ills to which their 
ignorance and simplicity would be exposed, he was 
touched with compassion, and determined not to take 
them from their native land. He replied to the 
cacique, therefore, that he received him under his 
protection, as a vassal of his sovereigns ; but, hav- 
ing many lands yet to visit, before he returned to his 
country, he would call another time, and fulfil his . 
desire. Then taking leave, with many expressions 
of amity, the cacique, with his wife and daughters, 
and all his retinue, re-embarked in the canoes, re- 
turning reluctantly to their island, and the ships con- 
tinued on their course." 

On the 4th of September, the squadron of Co- 
lumbus entered the harbour of Isabella, and was 
welcomed with joy by such of the inhabitants as re- 
mained faithful. You will remember that Columbus 
left Isabella on the 24th of April. During four 
months and more, the friends whom he had left had 
heard nothing of him, and began to fear that he had 
perished in some of the tempests which are so violent ' 
in the tropical seas, and which, in fact he experienced, 
though I have not mentioned them as often as they 
are noticed in the history of Columbus. 

You have not forgotten, I presume, how much the 
Spaniards desired to find gold, nor that the imagina- 
tion of Columbus was filled with pictures of splen- 
did oriental cities, which Marco Polo had described, 



BARTI10L031EW COLU3VUUS. \'S9 



and which he expected to find in his voyage, and per- 
haps to take possession of, in the name of their 
majesties, the Catholic Sovereigns of Spain. You 
perceive nothing of this was accomphshed in this 
voyage of four months — nothing was achieved hut 
the complete discovery of Jamaica, and a more 
thorough examination of the coast of Cuha. These 
were indeed important accessions of knowledge 
and power for Europeans ; but the full value of 
knowledge is not often known amidst the difficulties 
of acquiring it. The men who accompanied Colum- 
bus in this expedition, were disappointed in its result. 
Columbus knew that the Spanish nation expected 
more splendid discoveries than he had made, and the 
thought that he might be censured, with fatigue and 
anxiety together, made him so ill, that when the 
squadron arrived at Isabella, he was almost insen- 
sible. 

Columbus was roused from this almost lifeless state 
by the presence of a dear brother ; this was Bartholo- 
mew Columbus. The brothers had been separated 
many years, and were rejoiced to meet once more. 
When Columbus had unsuccessfully sought assist- 
ance from thfe king of Portugal, and was about to 
quit that country, he sent his brother to England to 
obtain the patronage of Henry VII., then king. 
Misfortunes prevented Bartholomew Columbus from 
proceeding directly to England ; but when at last he 
was enabled to go and offer his petition, Henry offered 
to aid the enterprise, and Bartholomew Columbus 
returned to Spain to find his brother. At Paris, he 
learned what the Spanish sovereigns had done, — that 
the discovery was accomplished, and the admiral had 
just departed from Spain on a second expedition. 

The discovery of a new continent, as you have 
been told, called forth the admiration of all Europej 



140 THE ADELANTATiO. 



When Charles VIII., then king of France, heard that 
a brother of the great Columbus was in his capital, 
and almost without money, that monarch regarded 
the stranger in an honourable manner, as the near 
relative of an individual who was the benefactor of 
nations, and belonging to mankind. This sentiment 
of respect disposed the king of France to offer Bar- 
tholomew Columbus one hundred crowns to defray 
the expenses of his journey to Spain. Bartholomew 
Columbus was graciously received by Ferdinand and 
Isabella. He was, soon after his arrival in Spain, 
intrusted by them with three ships stored with sup- 
plies for the colonies, and sent out to aid his brother 
in his enterprises. 

Bartholomew Columbus was a good seaman- 
wise, generous, and honourable as a man ; active in' 
business ; and capable of governing others. These 
qualities rendered his services very desirable to the 
admiral, who made him second in command to him- 
self, under the title of adelantado — an office which 
is the same as that of a lieutenant-governor. Colum- 
bus conceived that the commission which he had! 
received from the Spanish sovereigns, empowering: 
him to order the whole government q^ the colonies^ 
jHs he might judge to be best, entitled him to bestowv 
that office upon his brother, who could not aid himn 
without such a rank and title as the proud Spaniards = 
would respect. When the king of Spain heard of I 
this appointment, he was offended at Columbus : her 
considered it an encroachment upon his prerogative. 
A king's prerogative is his right to command or pre- 
vent certain acts of others, his subjects, and when '^ 
a subject acts in particular cases without the king's 
authority, he disregards the king's prerogative. 

It was mentioned that Columbus, before departing 
for liis voyage, gave the command of a military force 



DOMAINS OF HAYTI. 141 

to Don Pedro Margarite,'^s^ith"^i^7o make a tour 
of the island ; and commanding this army to treat 
the natives with justice and kindness. Ilayti was 
then divided into five domains. Each district had 
Its separate cacique, and each cacique had in sub- 
jection inferior caciques. The first domain was the 
middle part of the Royal Vega. It was partly 
covered with forests, and partly inhabited and culti- 
vated in the Indian manner. Some of the rivers of 
this district contained gold dust brought down from 
the mountains of Cibao by torrents. The name of 
the cacique was Guarionex— his ancestors had lono- 
ruled this province. ° 

Marien was the second. It extended from Cape 
San Nicholas in the west to the river Yagui. The 
chief of Marien was Guacanagari : on ''its coast 
Columbus was wrecked in his first voyage. The 
third domain was Maquana : the cacique of this 
territory was Caonabo, the Carib, and the sworn 
enemy of the white men. In Maquana were the 
?old mines of Cibao. The fourth, was Xaragua, 
he most populous and extensive of all. It comprised 
he whole western coast, and extended to the southern 
side of the island. The natives of this province were 
i)f more graceful manners and more eloquent speech 
ban those of the other districts. The sovereign was 
Jehechio : his sister, Anacaona, the most beautiful 
,nd attractive female in Cuba, was the favourite wife 
tf Caonabo. Higuey, the fifth domain, was the 
astern part of the island. The chief was Cotuba- 
.ama. His subjects were the most warlike of the 
eople of Hayti. It is supposed that Hayti, at the 
ime of the discovery, contained nearly a million of 
ihabitants. 

; During the absence of Columbus, misconduct 
jnd discontents prevailed in the colony. Margarite 



142 DESERTION OF MARGARITE. 

and his soldiers disobeyed the admiral's commands. 
They neglected his orders to survey the country 
peaceably, but quartered themselves on the inhabit- 
ants ; took forcibly from them the productions of 
their soil, and insulted and oppressed them. When 
complaints of these injuries were laid before Diego 
Columbus at Isabella, and he demanded of Margarita 
to obey his orders, the latter derided his authority, 
and, with others as unjust as himself, disputed the 
power of Columbus, or his representative, to enforce 
the regulations enjoined. The friar. Father Boyle, 
took part v/ith these revolters. He and Margarite 
seized one of the ships which lay at Isabella, and 
returned to Spain, with the design to represent to thef 
king and queen that the colony was in great disorder, 
and that they had abandoned their enterprise on ac* 
count of the tyranny of the rulers. 

The departure of Margarite left his army without 
a head, and they soon dispersed themselves, eithei 
singly, or in small bands over the island, committing: 
all manner of abuses upon the poor Indians. The 
natives in their turn, neglected no opportunity o: 
retaliation ; and, though they dared not oppose themo 
selves to any considerable number of well-armec 
Spaniards, they set fire to houses containing the sick! 
and put to death without mercy such stragglers a: 
fell in their way. Caonabo, the Carib chief o 
Maquana, was the most formidable enemy of th 
Spaniards. He saw with indignation that they wer 
establishing themselves in the island, making them 
selves masters of its territory, and oppressing it 
inhabitants. 

The fortress of St. Thomas was erected in th 
very centre of Caonabo's dominions, and after th 
departure of Margarite, its garrison of fifty mer 
commanded by Alonzo de Ojeda, was the onlv mil 



THE VIRGIN MARY. 143 

tary power in that province. Caonabo, as you have 
not forgotten, destroyed La Navidad; and he 
resolved in the same manner to wreak his vengeance 
upon St. Thomas. Ojeda was a commander differ- 
ent from Arana. He was not only bold and skilful 
in battle, but he had an excessive confidence in his 
own powers — this confidence was derived from his 
superstition. 

I have told you, Roman Catholics believe that 
holy men, or saints, as they call them, after death 
offer the prayers of living men to Almighty God, and 
entreat the divine mercy for those who ask their me- 
diation. The Virgin Mary, the mother of Christ, 
according to their faith, is the chief mediator, 
and in her supplications for them, they place 
their chief reliance. The image, or picture of the 
virgin, serves them for a " religious talisman." 
They bear this about their persons, and invoke , or 
address themselves to it in danger, or in the com- 
mencement of any undertaking, calling Mary the 
" mother of God," and " the blessed virgin." It is 
on account of this superstition that Catholic artists 
have made so many beautiful pictures of the virgin. 

Ojeda always, " in the camp, the city or the field," 
carried with him a small Flemish painting of " Our 
Lady," as the virgin is often called, and trusted with- 
out measure in her protection and help. " In a 
word," says Mr. Irving, " he swore by the virgin ; 
invoked the virgin, whether in brawl or battle, and un- 
der favour of the virgin, he was ready for any enter- 
prise or adventure, and the more hazardous or 
extravagant the better. Such was this Alonzo de 
Qjeda, bigoted in his devotion, reckless iii his life, 
fearless in his spirit, like many of the roving Span- 
ish cavahers of those days." 



144 GExNEROSITY OF OJEDA. 

Resolved to demolish St. Thomas, and expel the 
Spaniards from his province, Caonabo assembled ten 
thousand warriors armed with bows and arrows, and 
lances hardened in the fire. They approached the 
fortress in silence, and thought to take Ojeda by 
surprise. However, he was upon guard, being 
within his tower on a high place, and possessed of 
those fire-arms against which the naked Indians had 
no defence. Caonabo, finding he could not take the 
fort, endeavoured to starve the besieged Spaniards. 
During thirty days the Indians surrounded the 
fortress, but Ojeda contrived to support his small 
garrison. 

Mr. Irving relates the following circumstance as 
having occurred during this siege. " At a time when 
the garrison was sore oppressed by famine, an Indian 
gained access to the fort, bringing a couple of wood- 
pigeons for the table of the commander. The latter 
was in a chamber of the tower, surrounded by seve- 
ral of his officers. Seeing them regard the birds 
with the wistful eyes of famishing men : ' It is a pity,' 
said he, ' that here is not enough to afford us all a 
meal : I cannot consent to feast while the rest of you 
are starving ;' so saying, he turned loose the pigeons 
from a window of the tower." 

I hope you will not forget this anecdote. The= [' 
companions of Ojeda w^ould not have been more ^ 
hungry, had the commander satisfied his appetite ;i 
but men are so constituted, that v»^e cannot avoid 
feeling our own privations more severely when we 
compare them with the gratifications of others 
To save his men from this painful feeling, Ojeda 
denied himself.— There is in this action, small as 
it is, the delicate humanity and disinterestedness 
which evince a just and generous spirit. Remem- 
ber, children, whether you <<eat or drink, or what- 



CAONAEO'S PLANS. 145 

ever you do," you may show respect to the feelings 
of your fellow-creatures. 

The followers of Caonabo became impatient of 
their prolonged siege, and gradually withdrew 
themselves to their respective places of abode. 
But Caonabo did not give up the scheme of exter- 
mhiating the Spaniards — little comprehending that 
myriads of savages are nothing, opposed to the arts 
and arms of civihzed men. Caonabo gave notice 
of his design to all the caciques of the island ; and 
those who had not suffered from the Spaniards, 
having heard of them, and of their oppressiveness, 
readily concerted with Caonabo in his plans. 
Guacanagari, that chief who had treated Columbus 
with so much hospitality when he was shipwrecked, 
continued faithful in his attachment. It would seem 
that he feared the Spaniards, for he fled before 
them, but he would not arm himself against them ; 
and the confederate chiefs persecuted him for his 
constancy to the white men. Behechio killed one of 
liis wives, and Caonabo carried away another. All 
the confusion and bloodshed which ensued must be 
attributed to the misconduct of Margarite, and 
Dther persons disaffected to the admiral. Had they 
Dbeyed his injunctions, probably no discord so fatal 
jetween the islanders and the colonists, would have 
irisen. Columbus, when partially restored to 
lealth, had the mortification to learn the wretched 
state of affairs which I have briefly described. 

Wliile he was confined to his bed, Guacanagari 
)aid Columbus a visit. He appeared to be afflicted 
it the admiral's illness, and wept when he spoke of 
he massacre at La Navidad. He now informed 
olumbus of the confederacy of the caciques, and 
lie persevering hostihty of Caonabo, and offered to 

CIS his own people into the field, to aid the 
13 



146 OJEDa's PllOPOSAI, 



Spaniards. Columbus was gratified by this visit, 
and renewed his former friendship with Guacanagari. 
As soon as he had received information of the plans 
of Caonabo and his allies, Columbus resolved upon 
measures to defeat them. His first care was to 
punish Guatiquana, an inferior cacique, dependent 
upon Guarionex, the sovereign cacique of the Royal 
A^ega. This Guatiquana had massacred several 
Spaniards. Columbus sent troops into his district, 
took some of his warriors prisoners, and excited the 
dread of the Spanish power, so as to prevent future 
aggressions from that quarter, 

Columbus next had an interview with Guatiquana, 
and told him, that while he was determined to pun- 
ish all injuries which the Indians might inflict upon 
his people, he felt no enmity to them, and wished to 
retain their good will. Guatiquana was placable, 
and easily persuaded to whatever Columbus should) 
propose. While Caonabo remained unsubdued, 
much was to be dreaded. That mountain chief was 
not only fierce, but cunning, and would perpetuallyv 
lead his confederates into attacks upon the Spanish 
miners, and those who were residing at Isabella, on 
were stationed at the forts which had been erected 
at different places. But Columbus was at a loss 
how to take this formidable enemy. 

In this perplexity, he was relieved by the project 
of Ojeda, who offered to take Caonabo, and delivei 
him alive into his hands. Columbus consented tc 
the attempt. Ojeda chose ten fearless companions 
and invoking the virgin, penetrated, with his follow 
ers, one hundred and eighty miles into the interior o 
the island, where Caonabo was found in one of hi: 
most populous towns, enclosed by high mountains 
Ojeda approached Caonabo in the most respectfu 
maimer, treating him. through the whole interviewj 5; 



OJEDa S STRATAGEM. 147 



a sovereign prince. Caonabo, on his part, showed 
equal deference to Ojeda. Caonabo had made him- 
self acquainted with the character of Ojeda when he 
besieged him at Fort St. Thomas, and he admired 
his courage, his agility, and his skill in the use of all 
kinds of weapons. 

Ojeda urged Caonabo to accompany him to Isa- 
bella, and there to make a treaty of amity with Co- 
lumbus. It is said that Ojeda, as an inducement to 
compliance with his wishes, offered Caonabo the 
bell of the chapel of Isabella. " This bell was the 
wonder of the island. When the Indians heard its 
melody sounding through the forests, as it rung for 
mass, and beheld the Spaniards hastening towards 
the chapel, they thought it talked, and that the white 
men obeyed it. Caonabo had heard this wonderful 
instrument at a distance, in the course of his prowl- 
ings about the settlement, and had longed to see it ; 
and when it was proffered to him as a present of 
peace, he found it impossible to resist the temp- 
tation." You perceive from this circumstance how 
much a savage is like a child. The gift of a bell 
would be of no consideration to a civilized man ; but 
this poor Indian, powerful as was his body, was as 
much " pleased with a rattle" as any little boy. 

The cacique agreed to Ojeda's proposal ; but 
when they were about to set out for Isabella, Ojeda 
was surprised to behold a powerful force of warriors 
ready to march. Caonabo explained this, by saying 
it would be unsuitable to his dignity as a prince to be 
scantily attended on such an important occasion. 
Ojeda suspected that these attendants were design- 
ed for some mischief, and kept upon the watch 
iccordingly. Ojeda soon thought of a stratagem 
by which to take the person of Caonabo. It was, 
indeed, a disgracpfiil deception. Tilnfortunately, 



148 ojeda's stratageivl. 

the practices of men engaged in wars, or national 
hostilities of any kind, are not those of sincerity and 
honesty. In a military sense, honour is not the 
blessed law of doing to others as we would have 
them do to us, but a service rendered to one parly 
at every expense of truth and justice to the other. 

To return to Ojeda. The Spanish horsemen, 
accompanied by Caonabo and his men on foot, pro- 
ceeded towards Isabella till they came to the river 
Yagui, where they halted, and Ojeda proposed to 
Caonabo to bathe in the river. At the same time he 
showed him a set of manacles^ of highly polished 
steel, telling him they were ornaments worn by the 
kings of Castile on festal days, and were intended 
as a present to himself. Ojeda, moreover, request- 
ed Caonabo to put them on, and then, that he might 
astonish his subjects, to mount the horse of Ojeda, 
Caonabo was dazzled by these glittering ornaments,, 
and delighted with the thought of bestriding that as- 
tonishing animal, which ever since they first saw one, . 
had appeared to the Indians as one of the wonders ofl 
the world, and an object equally of fear and admira- 
tion. Manacles are rings of steel, fitted to the wrists, 
having attached to them a chain ; and the whole, when 
fixed upon a man, is so adjusted that he is deprived 
of the power to defend his own person. 

Caonabo suffered these shackles to be put on 
without suspicion, being first mounted behind Ojeda, 
and treacherously secured to his seat. As soon as 
this was effected, Ojeda put spurs to his horse, and 
with his followers made off with their prize, leaving 
the retinue of Caonabo, in a state of helpless con- 
sternation, to make the best of their way back to their 
mountain homes. It was no easy matter to pass 
through a long extent of Indian territory, without 
?>eing interrupted, and yielding this fonnidable 



CAONABO A CAPTIVE. 149 

prisoner to his provoked countrymen. But this was 
accompUshed, the adventurers suffering greatly from 
fatigue, hunger, and watchfulness ; encountering 
many perils, fording and swimming the numerous 
rivers of the plains, toihng through the deep tangled 
forests, and clambering over the high and rocky 
mountains. 

Caonabo made no submission to his conquerors. 
He admired the hardihood and profound artifice of 
his enemy, Ojeda, because it resembled the daring 
and deep design of an Indian warrior, and he always 
showed respect to him. Columbus thought proper 
to send this princely captive to Spain, but, till a 
suitable opportunity occurred, kept him a close 
prisoner in his own house. Columbus, as admiral 
and viceroy, commanded great personal respect. 
Whenever he entered the apartment where Caonabo 
was, all present rose and paid him reverence. 
Caonabo only paid no attention to him, though he 
always saluted Ojeda with marked honour. On being 
asked the reason of this, he replied, that the admiral 
had never dared to come to his house and seize him ; 
but that he was indebted to the valour of Ojeda that 
he was his prisoner. " To Ojeda, therefore, he owed 
reverence, not to the admiral." 

The captivity of Caonabo enraged his subjects, and 
one of his brothers, assembling seven thousand 
natives, attempted an attack upon St. Thomas ; but 
Ojeda, at the head of a small, but powerful troop of 
horse, killed some, made prisoners of others, and ptU 
the rest to flight. Among the prisoners was th« 
brother of Caonabo. 

13* 



150 COLONISTS ARKIVE- 



CHAPTER XIII. 






Neither fighting nor seeking for gold, produces 
any thing for people to eat, so the Spanish colonists 
were sadly in want of provisions, when four ships 
arrived from Spain, bringing a supply of necessaries, 
and a number of useful persons — mechanics, hus- 
bandmen, millers, and gardeners. Letters from the 
king and queen, dated August, 1494, were also 
received ; one was addressed to Columbus and 
another to the colonists. The former expressed the 
approbation of their majesties in regard to the conduct 
of Columbus ; the latter enjoined absolute obedience 
to the viceroy, on the part of the people. 

The date of these letters was previous to the arrival 
in Spain of Margarite and Father Boyle. Columbus 
knew that they were his enemies, and would calum- 
niate him to the king and queen. In order to 
counteract their malevolence, he fitted out the ships 
immediately to return, and sent home his brother 
Diego, faithfully to represent his administration to 
the Spanish sovereigns. Columbus, at this time, sent 
to Spain as much gold as he could collect, and like- 
wise five hundred Indians, to be sold as slaves at 
Seville. 

Before we proceed any further in this history, it is 
necessary that I should give you some information 
respecting slavery. A slave, you know, is a human 
bemg, who is the property of another, his master or 
mistress ; and the children of slaves are the property 
of the master of their parents. In the Bible, we read 
of bondmen and bondwomen among the Hebrews ; 
and, in all Asia, the state of slavery still exists. In 



SLAVERY IN EUROPE. 151 

ancient Greece and Rome, a large part of the 
population were slaves, and, in modern Europe, the 
vassalage of the lower orders, much resembled the 
bondage of patriarchal times. Slavery, in any 
country of Europe, has never been annihilated by 
acts of sudden emancipation, but by a gradual change 
in the opinion of the people — who, by degrees, 
educated the lower orders, gave them trades, and 
enabled them to acquire property ; and, at length, 
political regulations gave personal liberty, and certain 
independent rights to all people. 

One is grieved to learn, that so great a benefactor 
of mankind as Columbus, should not have better 
understood the rights of man, than to suppose himself 
justified in tearing the poor Indians from their 
country, their families, and all the objects of their 
affections, and causing them to be sold to the service 
of strangers. But the custom of employing African 
slaves, wliich had existed in Spain and Portugal, 
from the time that Guinea was discovered, was a 
precedent, or example ; and, though it is not right to 
follow any practice which is not just to our fellow- 
creatures, because our own or any other country 
permits it, Columbus, doubtless, encouraged this 
traffick in men, because it was an established trade. 

The teachers of religion in that age, as you have 
already been told, declared that all persons unin- 
structed in Christianity, were proper subjects of 
captivity and slavery. Ferdinand of Spain, made a 
practical use of tliis license, for, in his wars with the 
Moors, multitudes of the Moorish peasantry of Spain, 
men, women, and children, were sold as slaves at the 
market of Seville, and in other populous towns ; and, 
after the capture of Malaga, eleven thousand of the 
inhabitants, many of refined habits, were sold to the 
lowest servitude. The public sentiment of Spain in 



152 TRIBUTE EXACiKi». 

this matter, must have misled the natural humanity of 
Columbus. 

The alliance of the caciques still subsisted, though 
the head of it was a prisoner, and these exasperated 
chiefs still retained their hostile intentions towards 
the Spaniards. Their number was great, and they 
trusted that the many could expel the few, and that 
they should once more, unmolested, " sit under their 
own vine and fig-tree." This happiness was not 
reserved for them, for in no long time they were 
entirely subjugated. 

The manner in which Columbus exercised the 
power of a conqueror, was neither wise nor kind. In 
order to satisfy the expectations of the Spanish 
sovereigns and people, he required an exorbitant 
tribute from the Indians. In all the region of the 
mines, each individual above the age of fourteen 
years, was compelled to pay in gold dust, the value 
of twenty dollars of our money annually ; and, as 
money was then of three times its present value, the 
tribute was equivalent to sixty dollars. The tribute 
demanded of the caciques was equivalent to three 
thousand dollars annually. In those districts, where 
there was no gold, large quantities of cotton were 
periodically exacted, and, in defect of payment, 
punishments were inflicted. To enforce these regula- 
tions, Columbus estabhshed military stations in 
different parts of the island. The collecting of the 
gold, and the cultivation of the cotton, was labour 
too severe for human patience to endure. The effect 
of this treatment upon the Indians, is thus described 
by Mr. Irving. 

" Deep despair now fell upon the natives, when 
they found a perpetual task inflicted upon them, 
enforced at stated and frequently recurring periods. 
Weak and indolent bv nature, unused to labour of 



AFrLICTIONS OF THE NATIVES. 153 

any kind, and brought up in the untasked idleness ot* 
their soft climate, and their fruitful groves, death 
itself seemed preferable to a life of toil and anxiety. 
They saw no end to this harassing evil, which had 
so suddenly fallen upon them. The pleasant life of 
the island was at an end ; the dream in the shade by 
day, the slumber during the sultry noontide heat by 
the fountain or the stream, or under the spreading 
palm-tree ; and the song, the dance, and the game, in 
the mellow evening, when summoned to their simple 
amusements by the rude Indian drum. 

*' They were now obliged to grope, day by day, 
M'ith bending body and anxious eye, along the borders 
of their rivers, sifting the sands for the grains of gold 
which every day grew more scanty ; or to labour in 
their fields, beneath the fervour of a tropical sun, to 
raise food for their task-masters, or to produce the 
vegetable tribute imposed upon them. They sunk to 
sleep weary and exhausted at night, with the certainty 
that the next day was but to be a repetition of the 
same toil and suffering ; or, if they occasionally 
indulged in their national dances, the ballads to which 
they kept time, were of a melancholy and plaintive 
character. 

*' They spoke of the times that were past, before 
the white men had introduced sorrow and slavery, 
and weary labour among them : and they rehearsed 
pretended prophecies, handed down from their ances- 
tors, foretelling the invasion of the Spaniards ; that 
strangers should come to their island, clothed in 
apparel, with swords capable of cleaving a man 
asunder, at a blow, under whose yoke their posterity 
should be subdued. These ballads, or areytos, 
they sang with mournful tunes, and doleful voices, 
bewailing the loss of their liberty, and their painful 
i^ervitnde." 



154 DEATH OF GUACANAGARI. 

Among these sufferers, one deserves particular 
mention — the unhappy Guacanagari. His friendship 
for the Spaniards made him an object of contempt to 
his countrymen. The Spaniards forgot their obhga- 
tions to him, and treated him as oppressively as any 
other of their victims. Columbus, who knew his 
worth, was in Europe, and could not befriend him, 
when, worn out with care, toil, and poverty, this 
WTctched man fled to the mountains, where he died 
in misery and obscurity. At the present time, only 
a few descendants of the primitive islanders remain, 
and these are poor and degenerate. Other races of 
men have succeeded to their inheritance, and pity for 
their fate, and indignation for their injuries, are 
the sad tribute which generous minds must pay to the 
memory of a people now exterminated from the face 
of the earth. 



— »»»f8©^«*'* 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Margarite and Father Boyle, when they were 
returned to Spain, complained of the government of 
Columbus, and excited the resentment of many 
respectable persons against him, by representing that 
he had treated some of the gentlemen under his 
command in a manner unsuitable to their dignity. 
They said nothing about the idleness and rapacity of 
the Spaniards, and of the necessity there was that 
they should submit to labour, and to a limited share of 
the scant provisions to which the colonists were 
sometimes reduced. The misrepresentations of 
Father Bovle and his associates, determined their 



LKTTEll OF ISABELLA. 165 

majesties to send out to Hispaniola a suitable person, 
who should take a supply of necessary articles for 
the colonists, and make inquiries, into the administra- 
tion of the government. 

Before this was done, ships from Isabella arrived 
ill Spain, bearing accounts from Columbus of his late 
voyage and his return to Hispaniola. These ships 
carried specimens of gold, and other productions of 
the islands, together with five hundred Indians, who 
were destined to slavery. Queen Isabella would not 
permit these unfortunate people to be sold. She 
ordered them back to their native country, and in a 
letter to Columbus, enjoined that the islanders should 
be treated with humanity. Her interposition was 
too late ; the system of violence and extortion was 
already in operation, and nothing could check its 
unhappy progress. 

Towards the end of August, 1495, Juan Aguado 
set sail from Spain with four vessels stored with 
provisions, and with a commission to examine and 
report the condition of the colonies. Columbus, 
when Aguado arrived in Hispaniola, was in the in- 
terior of the island, employed in regulating affairs. 
Aguado took advantage of the admiral's absence, 
and boasting of a commission from the sovereigns 
to administer justice in the colony, it was reported 
that a new admiral was appointed ; and the people of 
Isabella, complaining loudly of Columbus, connived 
with an audacious intruder to annul his authority. 
Columbus got intelligence of these transactions, and 
immediately returned to Isabella. Offended and 
injured as he was, the admiral thought it prudent to 
conceal his contempt of Aguado, treating him as a 
man honoured by the sovereigns of Spain, but still 
asserting his own rights as viceroy and admiral. 

The Indians having heard of the arrival of Agua- 



160 GOLD MINES. 



do, hoped for some alleviation of their distresses 
and assembling together made a formal complaint of 
Columbus, as the author of their grievances. The 
discontents of the Spaniards, and the remonstrances 
of the natives against the admiral, fvu'nished Aguado 
with all -that he required to ruin Columbus and his 
brothers, and he prepared to return to Spain with : 
intelligence of the mal-administration of government i 
in the colony. Columbus also determined to present 1 
himself to their majesties, and to vindicate iiis own i 
conduct. 

About this time the most violent storm ever Imown ; 
in the island occurred. It lasted three hours, and I 
never, in the memory of the oldest native, had their 
island been visited by so tremendous a tornado. 
The Indians " believed that the Deity had sent thi!=! 
fearful tempest to punish the crimes and cruelties of 
the white men ; and declared that this people had 
moved the very air, the water, and the earth, to dis- 
turb their tranquil life, and lay their island desolate." 
The vessels of Aguado were destroyed by the tem- 
pest, and not one remained in the harbour but the 
Nina, and she required some repairs, before she 
could be ready for sea. While these repairs were 
making, and a new vessel building, an interesting- 
piece of inteUigence arrived at Isabella. It was the 
discovery of some valuable gold mines on the south 
side of Cuba. The stofy of this discovery was this : 

Miguel Diaz, a young Arragonian, in the service 
of the adelantado, had a quarrel with another Span- 
iard, fought with him, and wounded him dangerous- 
ly. Afraid of being punished, Diaz withdrew from 
his comrades, accompanied by some friends of his. 
They concealed themselves for a while, and wander- 
ed to the south side of the island, to a district border- 
im on the river Oiema. The village in which thev 



MIGUEL DIAZ, 15"/ 



af last took refuge was governed by a female cacique. 
The young Arragonian pleased her, and they married. 
For a short time Diaz was happy with his Indian 
bride ; but he soon found that (he society of his 
friends, and the advantages of civiUzed hfe, afforded 
higher enjoyments than the wild liberty, and compar- 
atively low pleasures of the savage state. His wife 
perceived him to be unhappy, and understood the cause 
of his dejection. To comfort him, she told him that 
her country was more healthful and beautiful than Isa- 
bella and its vicinity, and that it afforded abundance 
of gold. She urged him to persuade his country- 
men to settle upon the banks of the Ojema, promis- 
ing that they should be well treated by the natives. 

Diaz knew that intelligence of gold would be 
more likely to procure pardon for him than any medi- 
ation. Accordingly, he availed himself of such a 
presumption, and set out to announce the discovery 
of mines, and to reinstate himself in the favour of 
the adelantado. Isabella lay one hundred and fifty 
miles to the north ; but Diaz took Indian guides to 
find the settlement. He arrived there in due time, 
and in safety. He found the man living, whom he 
had wounded, and obtained ready forgiveness from 
the adelantado. The admiral was rejoiced at the 
intelligence brought by Diaz, and the adelantado set 
out in person to ascertain if the report was true. 
He was accompanied by a skilful metallurgist, and 
a number of men well armed. They travelled near- 
ly south from Isabella till they came to a great river 
called Hayna, and running into this river they disco- 
vered streams, bringing down gold dust, and mines 
abounding in the precious metal. 
' Columbus immediately ordered a fortress to be 
' erected on the banks of the Hayna, and the mines 
to be diligently worked. Fancying himself near 



138 AMAZONS. 



m 



Asia, Columbus supposed this island was the Opl 
of Scripture. It is not now known from what 
place " the gold of Ophir," mentioned in the Old 
Testament, was obtained — it certainly was not Hayti. 
I suppose you will be pleased to learn that Miguel 
Diaz conducted himself honourably ; was employ- 
ed in important business in the island ; and lived 
happily with his Indian wife, who was baptized by the 
Spanish name of Catalina. 

On the 10th of March, 1496, two vessels, the 
Nina and the Santa Cruz, set sail for Spain. Co- 
lumbus embarked in one, and Aguado in the other 
vessel, and with them two hundred and twenty-five 
passengers. There were thirty Indians on board 
these ships, and among them the once formidable 
Caonabo. The navigation of the tropical seas was 
not then understood, and adverse winds kept the ves- 
sels more than a month among the Caribbee islands. 
At the most important of these, Guadaloupe, the 
Spaniards were detained several days. As they ap- 
proached the land a large number of female war- 
riors, armed with bows and arrows, and ornamented 
with plumes in their hair, rushed out of the \^oods 
to oppose a descent upon their shores. 

The Indians explained to these women that the 
Spaniards only wanted food and water, and would 
give somethinoj valuable for it. The Amazons ac- 
cordingly referred them to their husbands, who were 
a little way off. I call these women Amazons, be- 
cause in ancient fables it is related that somewhere 
in western Asia lived a nation of warlike women 
called Amazons, who expelled men from their terri- 
tory and defended themselves like the Carib women. 
Perhaps the Amazons of antiquity, like the Carib 
women, had husbands, who went out to hunt and 



COLUMBUS AT CADIZ. 159 

employ themselves abroad, and obliged their wives 
to protect their homes against savage neighbours. 

The report of fire-arms terrified even the Caribs, 
and they no sooner heard it than they fled to the 
woods, leaving their habitations deserted. Columbus 
sent forty men, well armed, to explore the island ; 
they returned the next day, bringing with them ten 
women und three boys, whom they had taken. The 
women were large and strong, and wore their hair 
flowing. One of them was the wife of a cacique. 
Columbus soon after dismissed these prisoners ; but 
the female cacique chose to remain on board the 
ships with the natives of Hispaniola. The ships did 
not reach Cadiz ti-1 the llth of June, after a voyage 
of three months. By the beginning of June, so 
great was the scarcity of provisions, that some of 
the Spaniards proposed to kill and eat the Indians, 
or to throw them into the sea, as so many expensive 
and useless mouths. In the course of this voyage 
died the unhappy Caonabo. 

On arriving at Cadiz, Columbus found three ves- 
sels in the harbour, ready to sail witl supplies for the 
colony. The commander was Pedro Alonzo Nino. 
By this opportunity, Columbus wrote to the adelan- 
tado, urging him to endeavour to keep peace in the 
island, and to make the country as productive as 
possible. It was quite apparent that the Spanish 
nation had become indifferent to the acquisition of 
the new world, and dissatisfied with Columbus ; but 
the sovereigns welcomed him on his arrival with a 
gracious letter ; and, in despite of the calumnies of 
Maigarite and Father Boyle, gave him a favourable 
reception at Burgos, and promised to aid him in the 
prosecution of more extensive discoveries. 

For this purpose Columbus asked eight ships ; two 
to carry supplies to Hispaniola, and six to go on an 



160 DECEPTION OF NINO. 

exploring voyage. The sovereigns granted his request, 
and in the autumn of 1496, ordered a sum equivalent 
to eighty-seven thousand dollars to be advanced 
for such an appropriation. Just as the sum was 
about to be paid to Columbus, Nino arrived at Cadiz, 
and made a public declaration that he had brought 
with him a large amount of gold. The king of Spain 
needed the money which had been granted to Colum- 
bus to repair the fort of Salza, and expended it for 
that object, at the same time giving Columbus an 
order upon Nino for the same amount. 

In the month of December following, it was dis<- 
covered that Nino had no gold. His pretence for 
saying so, was a number of Indians he had brought 
with him, whom he presumed might be sold for large 
sums. Columbus was grievously disappointed at 
this miserable deception, and hardly knew where to 
look for assistance. The resources of ?pain were 
often so foolishly expended, that no money for use- 
ful purposes could be afforded. An eminent instance 
of this prodigality was exhibited at this very time. 
While Columbus was vainly suing for a few thousands, 
a magnificent armada of upwards of a hundred 
ships, having on board twenty thousand persons, 
was despatched to convoy the princess Juana 
to Flanders to be married to Philip, archduke of 
Austria, and to bring back his sister Margarita, the 
destined bride of Prince Juan. 

In the spring of 1497, the queen of Spain, for the 
king was much less engaged in his behalf, procured 
an ample grant of money to aid the projects of 
Columbus. It was also ordered that three hundred 
and thirty persons, some gentlemen and others 
labourers, should accompany him to the colony, and 
be paid for their services out of the royal treasury. 
So unpopular, however, had Columbus become in 



THIRD VOVAGE OP COLUMBUS. 161 

Spain, that he was forced to carry malefactors out to 
the colony, and forcibly to take ships and men for 
this service. The custom of that age permitting the 
public authorities to seize vessels for public uses, and 
to pay for them what should be thought right. 

Various delays, besides the difficulty of obtaining 
ships and men, hindered Columbus from proceeding 
on his intended voyage ; these were the opposition 
of the bishop Fonseca, and persons engaged in his 
service. Fonseca had the charge of money to be 
expended in foreio;n enterprises ; but detesting Co- 
lumbus, he could hinder him from proceeding in his 
business, by keeping money a long time from his 
use. He did so, and Columbus was forced to bear 
this unworthy treatment. 

Before Columbus departed on his third voyage, 
he was allowed the right of establishing an hereditary 
succession to his titles and estates, and he shortly 
after made a testament, or will, securing his property 
to his descendants, enioining upon his representative 
always to sign himself " The \dmiral." All the 
dignities conferred upon the adelantado by his brother, 
were confirmed by the Spanish sovereigns. 

On the 30th of May, 1498, Columbus set sail 
from Spain with his squadron of six vessels, taking 
a course farther to the south than the latitude of 
Hispaniola. On the 21st of June, being at the 
island of Gomera, Columbus divided his ships, send- 
ing three with provisions to the colony, and retaining 
the other three to prosecute a voyage of discover}'. 
Proceeding to the southwest, on the 13th of July, he 
found himself in what are called the calm latitudes — 
the region extending eight or ten degrees on both sides 
of the equator. The trade winds from the southeast 
and northeast meet and destroy the force of each 
other, so that a profound calmness of air and water 
14* 



1G2 TROPIC SEA 



prevails. " The whole sea is like a mirror, and ves- 
sels remain almost motionless, with flapping sails, 
the crew panting under the heat of a vertical sun, 
unmitigated by any refreshing breeze. Weeks are 
sometimes expended in crossing this torpid tract of 
the ocean. 

"The weather, for some time past, had been 
cloudy and oppressive ; but on the 13th, there was a 
bright and burning sun. The wind suddenly fell, 
and a dead, sultry calm commenced, which lasted 
for eight days. The air was like a furnace ; the tar 
melted ; the seams of the ships yawned ; the salt 
meat became putrid ; the wheat was parched as if 
with fire ; the hoops shrunk from the water and wine 
casks, some of which leaked and others burst ; while 
the heat in the holds of the vessels was so suffocating, 
that no one could remain below a sufficient time to 
prevent the damage that was taking place. The 
mariners lost all strength and spirits, and sunk under 
oppressive heat." 

Read Mr. Coleridge's description of this region 
from the "Ancient Mariner;" — 



" The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, 
The furrow streamed off free ; 
We were the first that ever burst 
Into that silent sea! 

Down dropt the breeze, the sails dropt down, 

'Twas sad as sad could be ; 

And we did only speak to break 

The silence of the sea ! 

All in a hot and copper sky, 
The bloody sun, at noon, — 
Right up the mast, the sun did stand 
No h'lgger than the moon ! 



TRINIDAD. 163 



Day after day, day after day, 
We felt, nor breath nor motion — 
As idle as a painted ship 
Upon a painted ocean ! 

Water, water, every where, 
And all the boards did shrink ! 
Water, water, every where, 
And not a drop to drink !" 

From a state like this, "the ships all at once 
emerged into a genial region, and a pleasant cooling 
breeze came creeping over the sea and gently filled 
the sails." The provisions on board being spoiled, 
and the water nearly spent, the admiral and his crews 
looked anxiously for land, which, on the 31st of July, 
they were rejoiced to discern. Three lofty eminences 
lifted themselves above the horizon, the base of which 
proved to be an island. This island lies near one of 
the mouths of the Orinoco, at the entrance of the 
Gulf of Paria. Columbus called it Trinidad, in 
English, Trinity. Two capes on the west side of 
Trinidad approach near to the continent, since called 
South America, and the island is separated from the 
continent by two straits ; one to the northwest, called 
by Columbus the Dragon's Mouth, and the other to 
the south, the Serpent's Mouth. 

On the first approach to Trinidad, Columbus found 
it difficult to obtain any acquaintance with the natives, 
but on Monday, the 6th of August, some of them were 
allured to the ships, and treated with the admiral's 
usual benignity. " They were tall of stature, finely 
formed, and free and graceful in their movements. 
Their hair was long and straight ; some wore it cut 
short, but none of them braided it, as was the custom 
of the natives of Hispaniola. They were armed with 
bows, arrows, and targets. The men wore cotton 
cloths about their heads and loins, beautifully wrought 



164 PEARL FISHERY. 



with various colours, so as at a distance to look like 
silk, but the women were entirely naked." These 
people, like all the savages of the new world, gave 
abundantly of the productions of their soil to the 
Spaniards. These savages appeared to judge of 
every thing by the odour of it : when they approached 
a boat, they smelt to it, and then to the people. 

When some of the Spaniards went ashore, the 
islanders, headed by the cacique and his son, wel- 
comed, and almost worshipped them. They were^ 
conducted to a large house, the dwelling of the ca- 
cique, and were banqueted with delicious fruits, and 
a beverage resembling beer. It does not appear, 
that any intoxicating liquor originated with the natives 
of the new world. At the banquet at the cacique's 
house, the men collected at one end of the building 
and the women at the other. No pure gold was to 
be seen at Trinidad. Among these people, the 
Spaniards chiefly coveted the strings of pearls, 
which encircled their arms. A considerable quantity 
of pearls was obtained from them, and sent to the 
king and queen. The natives said they were 
obtained from the immediate vicinity of a coast to 
the northwest. Passing out of the Dragon's Mouth, 
and sailing westward along the north west coast of 
Paria, on the 15th of August Columbus discovered 
the island of Margarita. 

Near Margarita the natives were fishing for pearls, 
and they were easily persuaded to exchange some for 
articles of no real value. In one instance, a plate of 
coarse Valencia porcelain was broken up, and the 
pieces exchanged for beautiful pearls. By such 
bargains several pounds' weight were obtained, and 
sent to Spain as specimens. Columbus would gladly 
have pursued his discoveries along this coast, but the 
state of his health compelled him to return to 



A CONTINENT. 165 



Hispaniola. If you look upon the map, westward 
from the island of Trinidad, you will perceive that 
Columbus was in the Caribbean Sea, near the north 
coast of South America. 

The existence of that continent was not then 
ascertained, but Columbus presumed that it was a 
continent, and not an island, from this circumstance : 
The water of the Gulf of Paria was not salt like the 
ocean, and appeared to receive a vast influx of fresh 
water from the South. Columbus conceived, that 
this fresh water was the outpouring of some great 
river. As rivers are collections of many smaller 
streams into one, which contains the whole of the 
tributary or original waters, all flowing from springs 
in the earth, and from mountains ; Columbus knew 
that a small tract of land can only supply small 
streams of water, and that a large body of fresh, or 
river water, must proceed from a large extent of land. 
This large extent of land is a continent. He, there- 
fore, believed, that the coast of Paria was part of a 
continent, and he was right. The water which flowed 
into the Gulf of Paria, proceeded from the river 
Orinoco, which you know is the northernmost of the 
three great rivers of South America. 






CHAPTER XV. 

Columbus had sailed from Hispaniola, March 1st, 
1496 : after his third voyage he arrived at the mouth 
of the Ojema, August 30, 1498. Two years and a 
half had elapsed in his absence, and he was greeted 
on bis return, with the sincerest pleasure and warmest 



l-Be EEHECHIO. 



affection, by his brother, Don Bartholomew. The 
adelantado had put into execution the orders he had 
received, to work the mines, collect the tribute, and 
commence a settlement on the south side of ths 
island. This settlement, at first called Fort St. 
Domingo, gradually increased to the city, at present 
known as St. Domingo. To effect the security of 
the Spanish power in the island, Don Bartholomew 
caused five militarij posts to be established between 
Isabella and Fort St. Domingo, and placed in them 
a sufficient number of men for the defence of each 
station. 

As the Spaniards did not employ themselves to any 
extent in husbandry, they were, at this time, often in 
want of food; for the provisions brought out by IVino, 
had been injured in the transportation. The Indians 
no longer gave freely from their stores, and the 
adelantado was forced to reside for a month in the 
Vega, with four hundred men, to collect tribute, and 
obtain food from Guarionex, the cacique of that 
country. Xaragua, which comprehended the penin- 
sula of Tiburon, and the whole coast at the west of 
the island, had not yet been visited by the conquerors. 
It was governed by the cacique Behechio, who lived i 
peaceably and happily in his dominions, undisturbed I 
by the exactions of the Spaniards. The adelantado 
knew the fertility of this province, and determined to 
participate in its resources. In order to take 
measures for obtaining tribute he paid a visit to 
Behechio. 

In passing through those parts of the island which 
the Europeans had not visited, the adelantado took 
care to strike the minds of the natives with awe and 
admiration. The horsemen advanced first, and the 
whole progress of the Spaniards was attended by 
/lying banners, and the sound of the drum and 



ANACAONA. 1&7 



trumpet. Behechio met the adelantado. He was 
attended with a great army of his subjects, armed 
in the manner of the country. If Behechio had 
received intelHgence of Don Bartholomew's en- 
trance into his dominions, and had intended to 
resist his advance, the sight of the Spanish troops at 
once daunted his resohition, and he met the adelan- 
tado respectfully. The latter informed the cacique 
that he had come into his domain to pass a little time 
with him in friendly intercourse, and the cacique 
made him welcome, dismissed his army, sent forward 
intelligence to his subjects of the adelantado's 
approach, and proceeded with him to the place of his 
residence. 

The adelantado was cordially received by the 
cacique's sister, Anacaona, the widow of Caonabo. 
This native princess, was one of the most beautiful 
and intelligent women of the new world, her name, in 
the Indian language, signified I'lower of Gold. She 
possessed a superior genius, and judgment ; was 
skilled in the composition of the areytos, or ballads, 
which the natives chanted to the measure of their 
national dances, and, discerning the superiority of 
civilized over savage men, admired the Spaniards, 
notwithstanding they had injured her countrymen. 
Anacaona counselled ber brother to take warning 
from the fate of Caonabo, and to cultivate their 
friendship. Caonabo's hostility to them, had brought 
their vengeance upon him, and the most dreadful 
misfortunes in consequence : a prudent and peace- 
able conduct would be the proper means to avoid 
similar disasters. 

Anacaona prepared to receive her brother and 
his guests in a suitable manner. " As they ap- 
proached the place, thirty females of the cacique's 
{louychold, came forth to meet them, singing their 



168 INDIAN FEAST. 



areytos, dancing, and waving palm-branches. The 
married females wore aprons of embroidered cotton, 
reaching half way to the knees ; the young women 
were entirely naked, with merely a fillet round the 
forehead, their hair falling on their shoulders. 
They were beautifully proportioned, their skin 
smooth and delicate, and their complexion of a clear 
and agreeable brown. The Spaniards, when they 
beheld them issuing forth from their green woods, 
almost imagined they heheld the fabled dryads, or 
native nymphs and fairies of the fountains, sung by 
the ancient poets. "^^ hen they came before Don 
Bartholomew, they knelt, and gracefully presented 
him the green branches. 

" After these, came the female cacique, Anacaona, 
reclining on a kind of light litter, borne by six. 
Indians. Like the other females, she had no other 
covering than an apron of various coloured cotton. . 
She wore round her head a fragrant garland of red 
:ind white flowers, and wreaths of the same round 
lier neck and arms. She received the adelantado 
and his followers with that natural grace and courtesy 
for which she was celebrated ; manifesting no hos- 
tility towards them for the fate her husband had 
received at their hands." This reception was follow- 
ed by a fea.^t as liberal as the country could afford,]! 
and, for two days, Behechio ordered every thing to be j( 
offered to the Spaniards for their accommodation and 



amusement. 

One of the exhibitions of the Indians, was a mockl 
fight. Two squadrons, naked, but armed, appeared 
in the public square, and comencing a skirmish in 
sport, ended it in blood. Four of their number were 
slain, and more might have fallen, but the adelanta- 
do, and other cavaliers, interfered, and put a stop to 
this game. When the festivities had ceased, the 



GlTAIlIOiNEX. 169 

. I lelantado informed the cacique and his sister, that 
; ;^ brother the admiral, and himself, had been 
; ^pointed by the sovereigns of Spain to govern the 
t land, and to protect and defend its princes ; that he 
had come into Xaragua to take that province under 
his care, and that he required such a share of its pro- 
ductions, as was paid by the other caciques. Behc- 
chio declared, that he had no gold — his subjects 
hardly knew it — but that cotton and other products 
of the soil, were at the command of the Spanish 
viceroy, and should be ready for his acceptance at 
regular times. So cheerfully and meekly did this 
unfortunate race submit to the will of their invaders, 
when that will was announced with even the show of 
humanity. 

When Don Bartholomew returned to the settle- 
ment, he found his people, as usual, discontented, and 
not long after, an open insurrection broke out among 
the Indians. With Father Boyle came from Spain two 
friars, who were more anxious to make proselytes 
than their principal — these remained in the island 
after Father Boyle had returned. They were parti- 
cularly desirous to convert Guarionex, the cacique of 
the Vega, and succeeded so far as to make him and his 
whole family repeat the Pater noster (Lord's prayer) 
and creed daily. The neighbouring caciques derided 
Guarionex for this mean conformity, as they consi- 
dered it, to the customs of strangers. At the same 
time, some of the Spaniards took away the cacique's 
wife. Guarionex felt that these intruders had brought 
upon him the contempt of his countrymen, and the 
ruin of his family, and he indignantly returned to the 
religion of his ancestors, detesting the Catholic faith 
as a rehgion of wicked men. The missionaries find- 
ing they could make no converts in the Vega, remov- 
ed to another territory, taking with them one Indian 
15 



il'O SACRILEGE AND HERESY, 



convert, who had been baptized by the name of Juan 
Mateo. Before their depeirtiire, the missionaries 
caused to be erected a small chapel furnished with an 
altar, a crucifix, and images for the use of the fami- 
ly of Mateo. 

They were scarcely gone, when several Indians 
broke into the chapel, seized the images, trampled 
them under foot, and buried them in a neighbour- 
ing field. According to the notions of the Catholics, 
any disrespect to images used as objects of 
religious worship, is a crime called sacrilege, and 
deserves nothing less than death. To disbelieve 
the Catholic faith, they called heresy, and they 
considered heresy a crime of the same magnitude 
as sacrilege. At this period Mr. Irving says — " In 
Spain, all heresies in religion, all recantations from 
the faith, and all acts of sacrilege, either by Moor 
or Jew, were punished with fire and faggot. Such 
was the fate of the poor ignorant Indians, convicted 
of this outrage on the church." This means that 
they were surrounded with lighted faggots and 
burned to death. This manner of expressing zeal 
for our faith, is directly against the teacliing of the 
Gospel, and the example of Christ and his apostles. 

Guarionex was bitterly incensed against the 
Spaniards, for this treatment of his subjects, and 
being counselled by the neighbouring chiefs to 
revenge it, he conspired with them to rise upon the 
Spaniards, and massacre them on the day appointed 
for them to pay tribute. By some means, information 
of this conspiracy was conveyed to Fort Concep- 
tion, the Spanish fortress in the Vega, and information 
of it sent to the adelantado. You will be diverted 
at the expedient which the Spaniards devised 
to communicate their danger to their country- 
men at St. Domingo. They employed an Indie- ;^ 



INDIAN MESSENGER. 171 

messenger whom they could trust ; but it was 
most probable that he would be stopped by some 
of the natives on his way, and, if a letter should be 
found in his possession, they would suspect him of 
aiding a treacherous plan of their enemies, for the 
natives had discovered, that those letters had a won- 
derful power of communicating intelligence — they 
fancied they could talk. The letter was, therefore, 
enclosed in a reed, which you know is hollow, and 
the Indian used it as a staff. The messenger was 
indeed stopped on the way, but affected to be dumb 
and lame. He spoke only by signs, intimating that 
he was returning to his home, and, leaning on his 
staff, limped along with extreme difficulty. He was 
suffered to depart, and dragged himself feebly forward 
imtil out of sight, when he resumed his speed, and 
I) ore the letter safely and expeditiously to St. 
Domingo. 

As soon as the adelantado got this information, he 
set out with a body of troops for the Vega. The 
Indians, to the amount of many thousands, were as- 
sembled under their respective caciques, waiting for 
an appointed moment to seize Fort Conception, and 
massacre the garrison. The adelantado learned from 
some of the Spaniards at Fort Conception, in what 
manner the caciques had disposed of their forces, 
and where each chief was stationed. Guarionex, 
and the other caciques, not dreading the approach of 
an enemy, lay down to sleep. At midnight, the 
Spaniards, being directed how to proceed by the 
adelantado, surprised and made the caciques prison- 
ers, without any effusion of blood. Guarionex was 
taken by the adelantado in person. Don Bartholo- 
mew thought it his duty to make examples of two of 
the chiefs, and caused them to be put to death ; but 
lio forgnve Gnarione:>{: and the rest of the insurgent 



172 PEACE RESTORED. 

chiefs. Guarionex was so affected by the generosity 
of the adelantado, that he exhorted his countrymen 
cheerfully to submit themselves to the Spanish power. 
So well were they pleased with their chief's discourse 
on this occasion, that they took him up with transport 
on their shoulders, bore him to his habitation with 
songs and shouts of joy, and, for some time, tlie 
tranquillity of the Vega was restored. 

Don Bartholomew had caused two vessels to be 
built for the use of the colony. At a proper time 
he sent one of these vessels to the province of 
Xaragua, to take in tribute, Behechio having in- 
formed him, that the cotton, and other articles, 
agreed upon, were ready for his acceptance. The 
adelantado, accompanied by a numerous train, set 
out by land for Xaragua, and were very cordially 
received by Behechio and Anacaona. Thirty-two 
inferior caciques were waiting to offer their re- 
spective portions of the tribute. Anacaona pro- 
posed to her brother, that they should go to behold 
the great canoe of the white men. On their way 
to the coast, the adelantado was lodged at the house 
where Anacaona treasured up all those articles, 
which she esteemed most valuable. 

The treasures of Anacaona consisted of various 
manufactures of cotton, curiously wrought ; of 
chairs, tables, and other articles of furniture, formed 
of ebony and other kinds of wood, carved withi 
figures and devices ; and of household utensils, some^ 
of clay, others of wood, all evincing great skill and 
ingenuity in a people who had no iron tools to work 
with. Such were the simple treasures of this Indian 
princess, of which she generously made numerous 
presents to her guests." Anacaona was infinitely 
delighted with the ship, and, though terrified when 
the cannon fired a salute, the adelantado soon satis-l'^ 



ROLDAN. 173 



tied her and her attendants, that they were in no dan- 
oer. Having loaded the ship, and sent her off, Don 
Bartholomew and his troops returned by land to Isa- 
bella, first taking an affectionate leave of Behechio, 
and his sister, and making them many presents. 
Anacaona was afflicted at the adelantado's departure, 
and drew from him a promise, that he would again 
visit Xaragua. 

When the adelantado arrived at Isabella, he found 
that settlement in confusion. In the absence of his 
brother, Don Diego Columbus was at the head of 
affairs, but the Spaniards never submitted themselves 
willingly to the authority of any of this family. The 
brothers, you know, were natives of Genoa, and 
the Spaniards ever considered them as intrusive 
foreigners. 

When the admiral arranged the civil order, as it 
was to subsist during his absence in Spain, one 
Francisco Roldan was made alcalde mayor, or chief 
judge of the island. Roldan was not satisfied with 
this honourable station, and longed, if it were practi- 
cable, to excite a general revolt against Don Barthol- 
omew and Don Diego. Roldan had been employed 
as a superintendent of p\iblic works, and had become 
acquainted with the lowest class of the colonists. 
These complained of the labours they were forced 
to undergo, and Roldan easily persuaded them that 
their toil was unnecessary, and inflicted upon them 
by the admiral and his brothers, who, he said, consi- 
dered the Spaniards as so many slaves, born to build 
houses and fortresses for their accommodation and 
defence, while they went about the island enriching 
themselves at the expense of the natives. 

Roldan, at the same time, represented, that if the 
adelantado could be removed, all the evils of which 
the Spaniards complained, would cease, and each 
15* 



174 ROLDAN. 



man might do what should be right in his own eyes. 
Roldan, however, intended to become their master, 
and to enrich himself. He was disappointed in a plan 
which he laid to take the life of Don Bartholomew, 
but he thought the time of his absence at Xaragua, 
afforded a convenient opportunity for him to deprive 
Don Diego of his authority, and to take it upon him- 
self. He meant to excite a public disturbance, and, 
at that time, to assume the direction of the colony. 

When the vessel which brought tribute from 
Xaragua had her cargo taken out, Don Diego order- 
ed her to be drawn up on the land, to remain till she 
should be required in the public service. Roldan 
told the colonists that Don Diego ordered the ship 
into this situation, because he was fearful that some 
of the people might take possession of her, and go 
off to Spain, in order to give information there of 
the oppressive government of the brothers. The 
people believed this false suggestion, and demanded 
the ship, that she might be sent to Europe for 
provisions. Don Diego told them she was not 
titted for so long a voyage, and refused to let 
them take her ; Roldan then instructed them to 
seize her, and to refuse all submission to the 
will of Don Diego. Don Diego thought it best 
to remove Roldan, and sent him with forty soldiers I 
to punish some Indians who had refused to pay: 
tribute. Roldan, instead of establishing the autho- 
rity of government, attached the Indians to his 
interests. While things were in this state the adel- 
antado returned from Xaragua 



roldan's hypocrisy. 175 



CHAPTER XVI. 

KoLDAN did not think it prudent to contend with 
the adelantado : but having seventy able and fear- 
less men under his command, believed it to be 
practicable to seize Fort Conception, in the Vega. 
The caciques of the interior, whose tribute he 
promised to remit, offered their assistance to liis 
operations. Fort Conception was commanded by 
a loyal and able soldier, Miguel Ballester, who 
resisted his forces, and wrote to the adelantado for 
assistance. Don Bartholomew immediately re- 
paired to the fort, while Roldan and his men were 
at a village six miles distant. 

Don Bartholomew summoned Roldan to appear 
before him ; but the latter, though he attended the 
summons, made no accommodation with the adelan- 
tado. Finding himself unable to turn the better 
part of the settlers from their allegiance to the 
appointed authorities, Roldan proposed to his fol- 
lowers to establish themselves in the province of 
Xaragua ; but before he went thither he committed 
various outrages at Isabella, in the absence of Don 
Bartholomew, breaking into the royal store house, 
and taking ammunition, clothing, and whatever he 
and his rapacious associates wanted. In all this 
defiance of law and subordination, Roldan pretended 
to be " a redresser of grievances, and a champion 
of the injured." He professed to feel indignant 
that his countrymen should be subject to foreigners, 
and that the natives should suffer from the same 
oppressors. The latter, deceived by his hypocrisy, 
regarded him as a benefactor, and actually gave 
him more gold than was demanded afs tribute. 



176 ASSISTANCE FRO?.I SPAIN. 

The disaffection of the colonists, and the open 
enmity of the caciques, had reduced Don Bartholo- 
jiiew to a desperate state, when Pero Fernandez 
Coronal arrived at the port of St. Domingo, with 
two ships from Spain, bringing with him suppUes 
of all kinds, and a strong reinforcement of troops, 
Nothing could have been more fortunate. Roldan 
repaired to St. Domingo to gain adherents among 
those who were newly arrived, but the adelantado 
was before him. Coronal was an honourable man, 
and those who had come out under his charge, 
were enjoined to submit themselves entirely to the 
adelantado. As soon as the latter had secured 
this new force, his generous nature meditated 
reconciliation with Roldan. 

Hearing that Roldan was only fifteen miles from 
St. Domingo with his band, the adelantado sent 
Coronal to exhort him to obedience, promising 
him, that his rebellious conduct should be forgiven. 
This generous offer was made in vain. Roldan 
pretended, that he would submit to the admiral, 
when he should arrive, but that he would never 
yield to his brother. Soon after he had made this 
declaration, Roldan with his adherents withdrew 
into the province of Xaragua. The Indians of the 
Vega had imbibed the enmity of Roldan against 
Don Bartholomew, and conspired together to expel 
him from their territory. In order to do this effectu- 
ally, they agreed to rise at an appointed time — the, 
season of the full moon, and put to death the garrison 
at Fort Conception, and all other Spaniards in the 
province. 

The Indians did not know how to count more than 
ten. They could not say, — in twenty days from this 
tlay, we will meet at a certain place, or begin a cer- 
tain undertaking, — they were obliged to fix on a time 



IGNORANCE OF THE INDIANS. 



of the mooii which would be visible to all, as the 
neio moon, or the full moon. When they wanted to 
express a precise number of men, or things, they had 
neither words nor figures, but they took grains of 
corn, and made one or more grains represent one or 
more individual object. I hope you understand this. 
One of the caciques, who did not excel any more in 
his observation of the heavens than in counting, did 
not exactly know when the moon was full, but 
mistaking the night, took up arms too soon, and act- 
ing without concert with the other Indians, did nothing 
but alarm the Spaniards, and put them upon the 
watch. The Indian who had deceived himself, on 
discovering his mistake, fled to Guarionex for pro- 
tection, but that chief, indignant at the stupidity of 
his confederate, killed him on the spot. 

The adelantado, hearing of this insurrection, pro- 
ceeded with a body of troops to the Vega. Guario- 
nex was informed of his approach, and feeling that 
the wliite men were too powerful for his wretched 
countrymen, abandoned his subjects and his fertile 
soil, and, taking his family with him, sought refuge in 
the mountains of Ciguay, which lay between the 
V^ega and the sea. The Ciguayans were a more 
warlike race of men than those of the plain. Their 
chief, Magobanex, received the fugitives with kind- 
ness, and promised to defend the unfortunate Gua- 
rionex, and to revenge his injuries. Aided by this 
ally and his hardy Ciguayans, Guarionex made 
several decents into the plain, and cut off some 
straggling parties of Spaniards. But this partial 
success was all. 

In the spring of 1498, the adelantado set forth 
with a body of ninety men, a few cavalry, and a body 
of Indians, to penetrate the fastnesses of the Ciguay 
mountains. As- vis-nal in such engagements, the num* 



178 THE CHIEF MaGOBANKX 

bers of the Indians was of little avail against the supe- 
rior skill of a few Europeans. When the Spaniards 
encountered the Indians, they were " hideously paint- 
ed, and looking more like fiends than men, burst from 
tbeir concealment. The forest rang with their yells 
and bowlings. They discharged showers of arrows 
and lances," But, though some among the white 
men were terrified, others wounded, and a few killed, 
all this was but the last and unprofitable effort of a 
perishing race. 

The adelantado, having taken several prisoners in 
this campaign, made an offer of protection and friend- 
ship to Magobanex, if he would surrender the cacique 
of the Vega, " but threatening, in case of refusal, to 
lay waste his territory with fire and sword. The 
cacique listened attentively to the messenger. When 
he had finished, ' Tell the Spaniards,' said he, * that 
they are bad men, cruel and tyrannical, usurpers of 
the territories of others, and shedders of innocent 
blood ! I have no desire of the friendship of such 
men. Guarionex is a good man, he is my guest, he 
has fled to me for refuge, I have promised to protect 
him, and I will keep my word.' " 

The adelantado now pursued his plan of securing 
his power, by making all resistance from the natives 
impossible in future. He set fire to a few villages, 
and threatened others with a similar destruction. The 
unhappy Ciguayans entreated their chief to surrender 
Guarionex, but he was firm in his purpose of pro- 
tecting hun. Don Bartholomew was not less perse- 
vering, and proceeded with all his force to Cabron, 
where Magobanex and all his army were quartered. 
His subjects deserted Magobanex, and he fled with 
his family into a secret place in the mountains. 
Guarionex wandered about alone in the most desolate 
places, and concealed himself from the Cisuavans, 



TAKEN PRISONER. 179 

some of whom considering him as the cause of their 
misfortunes, sought him in order to deliver him up to 
the enemy. 

The unfortunate caciques did not long remain in 
concealment. Two Spaniards, hunting that species 
of rabbits called utias, encountered two of the fol- 
lowers of I\Iagobanex, who were on their way to a. 
distant village in search of bread for the sustenance of 
the chief and his family. The Spaniards arrested 
the Indians, and delivered them to the adelantado. 
He compelled them to tell where the cacique had 
secreted himself, and to act as guides to the place. 
Twelve Spaniards accompanied them. These strip- 
ped themselves, stained and painted their bodies s© 
as to look like Indians, and wrapped their swords in 
palm leaves. Magobanex did not suspect himself 
to be in danger. He was found in his retreat sur- 
rounded by his wife and children, and a few faithful 
adherents : they were all conveyed to the adelantado. 
Soon afterwards Guarionex was taken. 

Guarionex expected nothing from the adelantadi> 
but death. Don Bartholomew thought it a sufficient 
security for the peace of the colony, that the two 
chiefs should be detained as prisoners, — and he gava 
their followers their freedom on condition that they 
would in future submit themselves to the Spanish 
government. Among the prisoners taken with Ma- 
gobanex was his sister, the wife of another cacique. 
This atlectionate woman had followed her ill-fated 
brother, leaving her own dominions, which the 
Spaniards had not yet penetrated, to wander among 
rocks and precipices that she might comfort him in 
his exile and affliction. When the husband of this 
woman heard that she was in captivity, " he was dis- 
tracted with grief, and hastening to the adelantado, • 
offered to submit himself and all his possessions to 



ISO EOLDAN. 

his sway, if his wife might be restored to him." The 
adelantado accepted his offer, and the cacique kept 
his word. This pacification was just accompUshed 
when Columbus returned to the colony. 

The state of the island was indeed distressing. 
A country which the admiral had discovered but four 
years before, populous, peaceful, and happy, was now 
involved in bloodshed and ruin, among the natives ; 
and with the usurpers of their rights there was neither 
prosperity nor virtue. In the prosecution of hostili- 
ties, the culture of the fields, the working of the 
mines, and the completion of public works, were 
abandoned. Hope, good faith, and public confidence 
were nowhere to be seen either in the countenances 
or the conduct of the Spaniards. 

The three vessels which Columbus had separated 
from hi^ squadron to convey provisions to the colony, 
were carried by the current west of the harbour of 
»St. Domingo, and at length driven to the coast of 
Xaragua. Roldan and his associates applied to the 
captains of the ships for such things as they stood in 
need of, swords, lances, and various other articles, 
and were furnished with them. You must remember 
that the people on board the ships, who were destined 
5is labourers for the colony, were many of them 
criminals who had been taken from public punish- 
ment. Roldan found among them many ready to 
join him, and it was not till the third day after his 
arrival at Xaragua, that one of the captains, Alonzo de 
Caravajal, discovered that Roldan was a rebel, and that 
he was enticing the servants of the colony to sedition. 
This he did effectually, though Caravajal exhorted 
him to submit himself to the regular government. 

The admiral was alarmed when he became ac- 
quainted with the proceedings of Roldan, and to 
prevent any more of the disorderlv colonists from 



I 



LETTER OF COLUMBUS. 181 

joining him, gave all, who were disposed, leave to 
return to Spain in five vessels then nearly ready to 
sail. The next intelligence of Roldan, was, that he 
had gone into the Vega. Columbus, on hearing 
this, commanded Ballester, the commander of Fort 
Conception, to be on his guard ; he, moreover, re- 
quested Ballester to meet Roldan, and assure him of 
his forgiveness, if he would abandon his treasonable 
designs. Roldan, and his party, stationed themselves 
at the village of Bonao, about sixty miles from St. 
Domingo. 

When Miguel Ballester heard that Roldan was in. 
the Vega, he went to remonstrate with him. Roldan 
would make no conditions with Ballester, but offered 
to treat with Caravajal. Columbus was now con- 
vinced that his situation was unsafe, and ordered the 
men at St. Domingo to appear under arms. Not 
above seventy obeyed this order; not more than forty 
were honestly attached to the admiral, and ready to 
defend his person and authority. Some pretended 
to be lame, and others sick, and some said they had 
friends in the service of Roldan, whom they would 
not fight against. 

On the 18th of October, the five vessels put to 
sea, and Columbus wrote to their majesties an ac- 
count of the rebellion. Roldan pretended, that he 
had only taken up arms to resist the oppressions of 
the adelantado ; the latter, therefore, entreated that 
Roldan might be summoned to Spain, to give an ac- 
count of himself. Columbus particularly requested, 
that ecclesiastics might be sent out to convert the 
Indians, and reform the Spaniards ; that a man ac- 
quainted with the laws, should be appointed judge in 
the island ; and that he might be permitted to send 
to Spain such disorderly persons as should disturb 
the peace of the community. 
16 



182 INDIAN SLAVES. 

It would neither interest nor entertain you, to be 
told all the embarrassments and mortifications which 
Columbus experienced in his protracted conflicts with 
Roldan. Open hostility between the contending par- 
ties, ended at length in a compulsory accommoda- 
tion. Columbus chose rather to establish peace in 
the colony than to contend for personal power. 
Roldan demanded a certificate of good conduct ; 
to be reinstated as chief judge ; and that to himself 
and his followers certain lands should be apportioned. 
Columbus granted all this, taking care to distribute 
the chief proprietors of these lands at convenient 
distances from each other. 

Those who received land also had the privilege of 
employing the Indians in cultivating it. It was per- 
mitted to the caciques, instead of paying tribute, to 
furnish their subjects to labour upon the soil for the 
benefit of the owners. These distributions of so 
many Indians to a certain extent of ground, werei 
called, in Spanish, repartimientos. The abuse which 
the Indians suffered from the cruel landholders, when ' 
there was no kind heart to pity, nor any law to re- 
dress their injuries, hastened their extermination. 

Columbus would now have returned to Spain, tol 
give a faithful account of the rebellion, and the com- 
pliances he had been forced to make, but he did not ' 
feel that all was safe. Two vessels sailed in October, 
and in them some of the followers of Roldan. Co- 
lumbus knew that these were enemies and false wit- 
nesses, and he feared they would misrepresent his 
conduct during the late difficulties. To prevent 
them from prejudicing their majesties, by the same 
conveyance he sent to court two of his friends, 
Miguel Ballester, and Garcia de Barrantes, and in- 
trusted them with the defence of his measures, an(i 
\fit\i a letter to the sovereigns. This letter request*e< 

li 



OJjaOA's EXPEDITION. 183 

that suitable persons might be sent to the colony, to 
assist him in the government ; and tliat his son, 
Diego, still a page in the royal household, might also 
come out to him, as an aid and comforter, " as he felt 
liimself much broken and infirm." 

Columbus, about this time, the autumn of 1499, 
was disturbed by information, that four ships had 
arrived at the western part of the island. These, as 
was afterwards proved, were commanded by the 
famous Ojeda. It was not according to established 
regulations, that vessels should come to the island, 
and carry on any traffic, without reporting themselves 
to the admiral. When Columbus heard that Ojeda 
was in the island, without paying any respect to his 
authority, he thought proper to call him to account 
for his presumption. Roldan was appointed to this 
service. On the 29th of September, he arrived at 
the place where Ojeda's vessels lay, and found, that 
that daring adventurer was on shore, forty-five miles 
from his ships, and that he was attended by only fif- 
teen men, who were employed in making cassava 
bread. 

Roldan, with five and twenty resolute followers, 
intercepted Ojeda's return to the ships. The latter 
met him fearlessly. Roldan demanded why he had 
come to the island without reporting himself? Ojeda 
answered, that he had received a license from Fon- 
seca, the superintendent of Indian affairs, to prose- 
cute a voyage of discovery, and, his vessels being 
in distress, he had been compelled to put into harbour 
in order to repair his ships, and obtain provisions. 
It appeared, that when Columbus sent intelligence to 
Spain of his discovery of the coast of Paria, and, 
with it, specimens of pearls, the news inflamed the 
desires of many adventurers. Ojeda then applied to 
Fonseca for a Hcense to undertake a voyage oa his 



184 AMERICO VE3PUC10. 

own account, and the superintendent readily granted 
it, though it stipulated, that he should not land upon 
any territory discovered by Columbus, prior to 1495. 
This condition left open to Ojeda the coast of Paria. 
The ships were fitted out at the cost of the adventur- 
ers, who were to pay a share of profits to the crown. 

Among the persons who accompanied Ojeda, was 
Americo Vespucio, whose name was afterwards given 
to the western continent. Ojeda's vessels sailed 
along the coast of South America, from the mouth of 
the Orinoco to the Gulf of Venezuela, and from 
thence to Hispaniola. This was then the most ex- 
tensive voyage that had ever been made. Roldan 
returned to St. Domingo, to inform the admiral of 
the result of his interview with Ojeda, and Ojeda 
navigated the coast of Xaragua, and landed in that 
province. Many of those who had been attached to 
Roldan, in his insurgent character, remained in this 
province, and represented to Ojeda, that the admiral 
owed them money, which he refused to pay. Ojeda 
had heard in Spain, from the enemies of Columbus, 
that he and his brother had oppressed the colonists. 
In consequence of such information, he believed 
what he now heard, and took part with these malcon- 
tents. He proposed to put himself at their head, to 
inarch with them to St. Domingo, and obtain redress 
for their grievances. 

These quarrelsome fellows, however, would not 
agree, but fell to blows among themselves. In the 
midst of their discord, Roldan appeared in the 
province, attended by a force from the admiral. Oje- 
da, though a brave man, did not choose to fight with- 
out any probable advantage, and, at this juncture, 
withdrew himself from the contest, made up a caval- 
gada, or . drove of Indian slaves, at some other dis- 



GUEVARA. IS5 



trict of Hispaniola, or at Porto Rico, and, returning 
safely to Spain, sold the unhappy creatures at Cadiz. 

One circumstance which occurred to Roldan in 
this enterprise, deserves notice. When some of his 
former followers were apprised, that he had come 
into the province of Xaragua with an intention to 
frustrate their rebellious purposes, they laid a plan to 
waylay and kill him, but he disappointed them by 
taking care of himself. How wicked and selfish 
must their adherence to him have been, when they 
could turn from his service and become his mur- 
derers ! 

I have related to you the conspiracy of Roldan, 
and the insurgent attempt of Ojeda, but these were 
not the only oppositions to his authority, which dis- 
turbed the_ peace of Columbus. One of Roldan's 
late confederates, was Adrian de Moxica. This 
man had a cousin named Don Hernando Guevara. 
Guevara's conduct was so disorderly, that Columbus 
banished him from the island, and, after receiving 
sentence, he repaired to Xaragua, in order to embark 
with Ojeda for Spain. Ojeda had just sailed, when 
Guevara arrived there, consequently he was forced 
to remain. Guevara resided in the neighbourhood 
of Anacaona. That princess had a daughter called 
Higuaniota, with whom Guevara became acquainted, 
and whom he offered to marry. Anacaona, always 
an admirer of the Spaniards, agreed that her daugh- 
ter should wed Guevara. Roldan forbade the young 
man to form this connexion, and Guevara, against 
the orders of Roldan, repaired to the house of Ana- 
caona, and concealed himself there. In conse- 
quence of Roldan's opposition to his attachment, 
Guevara became his violent enemy. 

After Roldan and Columbus were reconciled, the 
followers of Roldan detested their late leader ; many 
16* 



186 CONSPIRACY AGAINST ROLDAN. 

of them remained in Xaragua, and were ready to 
listen to Guevara, and to take part in his quarrels. 
These wretches agreed to assist Guevara in liis 
revenge upon Roldari. They concerted to rise sud- 
denly upon him, and either to kill him, or to put out 
his eyes. Roldan was apprised of this project in 
time, — and seizing Guevara and his accomplices, 
sent intelligence to Columbus of the whole transac- 
tion. Moxica learning that his cousin was a prisoner, 
and awaited punishment from the admiral, took fire 
at the thought ; and, attaching to his service men as 
desperate as himself, " meditated not merely the 
rescue of his cousin, but the deaths of Roldan and the 
admiral." 

Columbus was at Fort Conception, when a deserter 
from the conspirators brought him intelligence of 
their designs. Prior to this, he had been all forbear- 
ance and lenity to his enemies ; but the time was 
come, when lenity would have been folly and pusil* 
lanimity, Columbus instantly armed himself and a 
few trusty servants, and friends, and proceeded to 
the place where the leaders of the conspiracy were. 
These guilty men, unsuspicious of their danger, 
were not in a state of defence, and were seized with- 
out delay, and carried to Fort Conception as prison-^ 
ers. Moxica was immediately put to death, and his 
accomplices kept in confinement. Those of the 
conspirators who were not taken, fled to Xaragua, 
but thither the adelantado pursued them, and some 
were taken and executed, while the rest were effec- 
tually dispersed. 

This was a necessary severity. If the lives of 
men who meditate the destruction of the military 
power or civil government under which they live, 
are spared, and they continue to reside in the country, 
the government is in danger. It may, sometimes, bo 



COMPLAINTS. 187 



right to refuse obedience to unjust and tyi'annical laws 
and magistrates ; but those who rebel must always 
expect to become objects of severe treatment, and 
to exact submissions, or inflict punishments upon 
those who resist them. The exemplary justice of 
Columbus produced the best effects in the colony. 

The Spaniards began diligently to cultivate their 
lands, assisted by the labours of the natives, and 
every thing gave assurance of settled and regular 
prosperity. Columbus had desired ever since his 
return to Hispaniola to explore the regions of Paria, 
and to establish a fishery in the gulf, which he called 
the Gulf of Pearls. It is melancholy to learn, that 
at the very time when he appeared to have baffled his 
enemies, and had established a rightful and salutary 
authority in the island, he was destined to suffer the 
bitterest disappointments, and the most cruel indig- 
nities. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The disaffected persons who had returned from 
the colony to Spain, were but too successful in pre- 
judicing the king against Columbus. His advocates, 
Ballester and Barrantes, had no weight against the 
representations of his enemies. The letters which 
Columbus addressed to the sovereigns, detailed little 
but rebellion and disorder in the public affairs ; and, 
as you have been told, the people had neglected the 
mines and the land, so that the expense of supporting 
the colony was derived in great part from Spain. 
Many persons had gone out to the island on condition 



Ik 



188 COMPLAINTS. 



of being paid for certain services, and Columbus 
could not obtain money to satisfy their demands. 
Some of these disappointed men went home to Spain, 
where they clamoured loudly for their pay. 

These were generally people of the lowest class. 
" They found their way to the court at Grenada. 
They followed the king when he rode out, filling the 
air with their complaints. At one time, about fifty 
of these vagabonds found their way into the inner 
court of the Alhambra, under the royal apartments, 
holding up bunches of grapes as the meager diet left 
them by their poverty, and railing aloud at the deceits 
of Columbus, and the cruel neglect of the government. 
The two sons of Columbus happening to pass by, 
who were pages to the queen, they followed them with 
imprecations, exclaiming, ' There go the sons of the 
admiral, the whelps of him who discovered the land 
of vanity and delusion, the grave of Spanish Ai- 
dalgosP " — gentlemen of Spain. 

All these circumstances disposed the sovereigns to 
believe that Columbus and his brothers did not ad- 
minister the government intrusted to them, wisely 
and justly. Columbus had requested that a judge, 
learned in the law, should be sent out to settle differ- 
ences, though he desired that such an officer's duties 
and privileges should in no way encroach upon his 
own authority as viceroy. Ferdinand, in March, 
1494, appointed an officer who should inquire into 
the disturbances at Hispaniola, and if he should ^nd 
Columbus and his brothers culpable, might take upoii 
himself the government, and send them to Spain. 
You have, I presume, good sense enough, young as 
you are, to know that none but a very generous and 
disinterested man would treat these suspected per- 
sons with justice, and respect ; and refrain from 
making himself their master, when he had a commis- 



THE NEW GOVERNOR. 189 

sion to do so, if he chose. Absolute power is a trust 
ihw men can bear without abusing it. 

Don Francisco de Bobadilla, was thus appointed 
governor, and arrived at St. Domingo, August 23d, 
1500. Columbus was in the Vega, regulating the 
confusion which remained after the suppression 
of Moxica's rebellion ; the adelantado was in the 
province of Xaragua ; and Don Diego remained at 
St. Domingo, as governor in the admiral's absence. 
As Bobadilla entered the harbour, he beheld on the 
shore, gibbets with dead bodies hanging upon them ; 
and before he landed, he learned that seven Spaniards 
had, that week, been hanged, and five more were 
awaiting the same fate. Intelligence that a redresser 
of wrongs had arrived from Spain spread every 
where, and all disaffected persons eagerly flocked 
to the new governor to complain, and magnify their 
discontents. 

The next day Bobadilla attended mass, and met at 
the church Don Diego, and other honourable men, 
as well as the principal part of the residents of St. 
Domingo. When the service was ended, Bobadilla 
caused his commission to be read. It authorized 
him to take the persons and property of whomsoevei 
he should think guilty of any misdemeanor, and to 
imprison or send to Spain any such real or imputed 
criminal. Bobadilla next demanded of Don Diego, 
the rebels whom he held in confinement. The latter 
replied it would be necessary to consult the admiral, 
and to transmit to him, then at Fort Conception, 
a copy of Bobadilla's instructions. Bobadilla re- 
fused to deliver such copy, and proceeded to read 
to the people other documents. One " ordering 
Columbus and his brothers to deliver up all fortresses, 
\ ships, and other royal property ; and another, appoint- 
ing him to demand of Columbus the payment of all 



190 REMONSTRANCE. 



debts due to the colonists." The last brought over 
every one to ready submission. 

Bobadilla having thus established his claim to 
paramount authority, and set aside Don Diego, again 
demanded the prisoners. These rebels had been 
committed to the fortress of St. Domingo. This post 
was commanded by that Miguel Diaz, whose wife 
Catalina once governed in that place, and who had 
communicated to the adelantado the first knowledge 
he obtained of this region, of its mines, and its supe- 
rior advantages over the north side of the island. 
Diaz did not readily surrender the fort to Bobadilla, 
He had received his command, he said, from his lord, 
the admiral, and when he should return to St. Do- 
mingo, he would obey his orders. Bobadilla paid 
little attention to the denial of Miguel Diaz, but 
assailing the frail fortress with a rabble of low people, 
took possession of it, and committed the prisoners to 
the charge of an alguazil — in English, a constable — 
one Juan de Espinosa. 

Bobadilla took up his residence in the house of the 
admiral, and seized his arms, gold, plate, jewels, 
horses, books, and letters. To win the favour of the 
people he proclaimed a general license, for the term 
of twenty years, to seek for gold, requiring but one 
eleventh, instead of one third, which had been re- 
quired as due to government. At the same time,. 
Bobadilla declared that Columbus and his brothers 
should be deprived of all authority, and the admiral 
sent home in chains. 

When Columbus got intelligence of these transac- 
tions, he conceived Bobadilla to be acting under a 
limited commission from the sovereigns, which he 
was transgressing on account of his absence. He 
therefore wrote to Bobadilla, that he would soon re- 
turn to St. Domingo, and should shortly go to Spain, 




Fa,y,' J^>I 



COLUMBUS IN CHAINS. 191 

and that all matters of dispute should be settled in 
due time, requesting Bobadilla to refrain from all ar- 
bitrary measures, till they could accommodate their 
respective functions. Still Columbus was dissatis- 
fied by this extraordinary assumption of power, but 
soon ascertained that it was authorized by their 
majesties, for he received a summons from Bobadilla 
that he should appear before him ; — with this sum- 
mons was delivered a brief letter from the sovereigns 
commanding him to submit implicitly to Bobadilla. 
Columbus did not hesitate to obey the royal man- 
date, and " departed almost alone and unattended to 
St. Domingo." 

No sooner did Bobadilla hear of his arrival, than 
he gave orders to have Columbus put in irons, and 
imprisoned. '* This outrage to a person of such 
dignified and venerable appearance, and such emi- 
nent merit, seemed for a time to shock even his 
enemies. When the irons were brought, every one 
shrunk from the task of putting them on him." — To 
fill the measure of ingratitude meted out to him, 
the person who at length clasped the manacles, was 
one of his own domestics. In this trial, Columbus 
manifested the sublimity of his character, by his 
exemplary patience, and his disdain of remonstra- 
ting with his persecutors. He looked calmly and 
confidently to the time when he should appear 
before the king and queen of Spain, and vindicate 
himself from all the slanderous charges which had 
been brought against him. 

The principal accusations were, that Columbus 
had resolved to cast off* the allegiance of Spain, and 
make himself sovereign of the countries he had 
discovered ; that he had inflicted unnecessary tasks 
and cruel punishments upon the Spaniards ; had 
granted short allowances of food, and kept back 



192 ALONZO DE VILLEJO. 

their dues ; that he had waged unjust wars with the 
natives ; and had secreted pearls and other precious 
articles. His brothers were arrested and confined 
as accomplices with the admiral. It was an aggra- 
vation of their common misfortunes, that the three 
brothers were imprisoned separately, and not per- 
mitted to enjoy any intercourse. 

Bobadilla soon determined to send Columbus 
and his brothers to Spain ; but while they were in 
confinement, the common people in St. Domingo 
were allowed to express such noisy and indecent 
triumph at their downfall, that Columbus apprehended 
they would take his life, and that his name would go 
down to posterity dishonoured, and without vindica- 
tion. Vessels being in readiness, Alonzo de Villejo, 
an honourable man, was appointed to take charge 
of the prisoners, and conduct them to Spain. Bo- 
badilla instructed Yillejo, when he should arrive, to 
deliver Columbus and his brothers to Fonseca. 
Villejo, attended by a guard, went to the prison witii 
a design to convey the admiral to the ship. When 
Columbus beheld the officer and his attendant?; 
enter, "he thought it was to conduct him to the 
scaffold. * Villejo,' said he mournfully, ' whither are 
you taking me V ' To the ship, your excellency, to 
embark,' replied the other. ' To embark !' repeated 
the admiral earnestly ; ' Villejo ! do you speak the 
truth V ' By the life of your excellency,' replied the 
honest officer, * it is true.' With these words the 
admiral was comforted, and as one restored from 
death to life. 

" The caravels set sail early in October, bearing^ 
off Columbus, shackled like the vilest of culprits, 
amidst the hoots, and scoffs, and shouts of a mis- 
creant rabble, who took a brutal joy in heaping 
insults on his venerable head, and, as it were, sent 



FERNANDO COLUMBUS. 193 

curses after him from the shores of the island he had 
so recently given to mankind. Fortunately the voyage 
was favourable and of but moderate duration, and was 
rendered less disagreeable by the conduct of those to 
whom he was given in custody. The worthy Tillejo, 
though in the service of Fonseca, felt deeply moved 
at the unworthy treatment of Columbus. The mas- 
ter of the caravel, Andreas Martin, was equally 
grieved ; they both treated the admiral with profound 
respect and assiduous attention. They would have 
taken off his irons, but to this he would not consent. 
* No,' said he proudly, ' their majesties commanded 
me by letter to submit to whatever Bobadilla should 
order in their name ; by their authority he has put 
upon me these chains ; I will wear them until they 
shall order them to be taken off, and I will preserve 
them afterward as relics and memorials of the reward 
of my services.' 

" ' He did so,' adds his son Fernando, * I saw 
them always hanging in his cabinet, and he requested 
that when he died they might be buried with him.' " 

When it was known in Cadiz, that Columbus had 
arrived there, a prisoner, and in chains, the people of 
that city, and of Seville, were roused to indignation at 
the treatment he had received. Columbus and his 
brothers, on their arrival, were placed under a 
magistrate of Seville, till the will of their ma.jesties 
concerning them should be made known. Bobadilla 
had collected a multitude of unfair documents con- 
cerning the prisoners, and sent them to the sove- 
reigns. 4.S soon as he was permitted, Columbus 
despatched a private letter from himself to a lady of 
the court, Donna Juana de la Torre. This letter 
contained a statement of the wrongs he had suffered, 
and from it the sovereigns first learned how much he 
had been injured. 

17 



194 COLUMBUS AT GRANADA. 

Isabella's generous heart was roused to indigna* 
tion against the enemies of Columbus, and melted 
with pity for his sufferings. Bobadilla's statement 
was not yet delivered, but without waiting for it, the 
king and queen wrote to Columbus, inviting him to 
court, and ordering a sum, equivalent to $8,538 of 
our money, to be advanced to defray his expenses. 
On the ITth of December, 1500, Columbus appear- 
ed at the court in the city of G ranada, " not as a man 
ruined and disgraced, but richly dressed and attend- 
ed by an honourable retinue. He was graciously 
received by their majesties." When the queen be- 
lield this venerable man approach, and thought on all 
he had deserved, and all he had suffered, she was 
moved to tears. Columbus finding himself thus 
kindly received by his sovereigns, and beholding 
the tears in the benign eyes of Isabella, was unable 
to restrain his long suppressed feelings ; — He threw 
himself upon his knees, and for some time could not 
utter a word for the violence of his tears and 
sobbing. 

The sovereigns expressed their displeasure at Bo- 
badilla's proceedings, and took no notice of the 
papers he sent to them in relation to the admiral. 
Columbus, after this favourable reception, trusted that 
he should not only be vindicated to the world, but 
restored to his viceroyalty, and that he should be en- 
abled to return in triumph to St. Domingo ; in this ! 
hope he was destined to disappointment. 

In 1495, the king of Spain granted a general 
license to private adventurers, to undertake voyages 
of discovery at their own expense. Besides Ojeda, 
Pedro Alonzo Nino, who has been mentioned before 
in this history, and Vincente Pinzon, who command- 
ed the Nina, in the first voyage of Columbus, made 
more extensive voyages to the new world, than 



DISCOVERIES EXTENDED. 195 

Columbus had yet done, Pinzon discovered the 
Maragnon, since called the river of Amazons. There 
were, besides these, other navigators who followed 
the same course, and one, Pedro Alvarez de Cabral, 
a Portuguese, discovered the country of Brazil, 
which, since then, has belonged to Portugal. In 
1497, Vasquez de Gama doubled the Cape of 
Good Hope ; and Sebastian Cabot, in the EngUsh 
service, discovered the northern section of the west- 
ern continent from Newfoundland to Florida. It is 
worthy of remark, that Cabral's destination was Ca- 
licut, and that in endeavouring to steer west of the 
calms, on the cOast of Guinea, he came in sight of 
Brazil. 

The Spanish navigators all brought home some 
of the productions of the respective countries to 
which they went, and splendid accounts likewise of 
their wonderful beauty and productiveness. These 
countries formed new dominions for the sovereigns 
of Spain ; and over all of them Ferdinand intend- 
ed to establish a general government, of which St. 
Domingo was to be the metropolis. This govern- 
ment was that of which Columbus had been dis- 
possessed. Ferdinand, though he admitted that 
Columbus was an injured man, and recalled Boba- 
dilla, thought proper to send out another individual to 
regulate colonial affairs, before Columbus should be 
reinstated : but he promised the admiral that after 
two years his government should be restored to him. 

You know that Bobadilla-s administration com- 
menced in rashness and violence — in disregard to 
the rights and happiness of good men, and in favour 
and indulgence to the evil and selfish passions of bad 
men. Selfish men never can obtain all they desire ; 
numbers wish for the same thing, and they quarrel to 
get possession of the thing they want, and hate the 



196 OVANDO APPOINTED. 

individual who denies them what he has not to give. 
Such were the consequences of Bobadilla's misrule. 
But the quarrels of the Spaniards among themselves, 
and their ill-will to Bobadilla, were not the worst 
result of that governor's folly and imprudence. — The 
privilege which he gave to the Spaniards to search 
for gold, and to employ the natives to assist them, 
was sadly abused. 

Some of the Spanish colonists were convicts taken 
out of prison ; such persons were very unfit masters 
for the timid and simple islanders. These wretches 
exercised the most cruel tyranny. They insisted 
upon being attended by trains of servants. When 
they travelled, instead of using horses and mules, 
they obliged the natives to transport them upon their 
shoulders in hamacs, with others alongside, to bear 
umbrellas of palm leaves, to keep off the sun, and 
fans of feathers to cool them. Intelligence of all this 
soon reached Spain ; and the benevolent queen, 
moved at the wrongs of her Indian subjects, earnest- 
ly desired to recall Bobadilla. To supersede him, 
one Nicholas de Ovando was appointed governor of 
Hispaniola, and all other territories of those seas 
which had been claimed by the Spanish navigators. 
The commission of Ovando, instructed him to send 
home Bobadilla, to punish all offenders against the 
laws and against humanity, to enforce good order, 
and to promote the religious instruction of the natives. 

About this time, negro slavery in the West India 
islands commenced. After the west coast of 
Africa was made known to the Spanish and Por- 
tuguese, the natives of Africa sold their prisoners, 
taken in war, to the Spaniards and Portuguese. 
These brought home the negroes, and sold them 
iis slaves. When it was found to be necessary, 
that the Spaniards, in their mining operations, and 



PROJECT OF COLUMBUS. 197 

in the culture of the soil, should have many la- 
bourers to assist them, it was permitted by the 
sovereigns of Spain, that the children of slaves, born 
in Africa, should be sent out as slaves to the colo- 
nists. From that time, the nations of Europe began 
to buy or steal natives of Africa, and take them in 
ship loads to the West Indies, to South America, 
and, at a later period, to the southern parts of our 
United States. 



•'-»h9@044««*' 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

OvANDo was attended to Hispaniola by seventy- 
Ihree married men, with their families, all of respec- 
table character ; and he was ordered to send away 
the idle and dissolute from the settlement. With 
this new population were carried arms, live stock, 
and whatever was necessary to supply the wants of 
the people. One ship of the fleet of Ovando was 
lost in a storm, the others arrived safely in St. Do- 
mingo on the 15th of April, 1502. Columbus re- 
mained in the city of Grenada for many months, but 
he was not fitted for an idle life. He heard of the 
riches brought home from India to Europe by the 
Portuguese, since the passage round the Cape had 
been accomplished, and he longed to procure similar 
benefits for Spain. He had observed a current of 
the Caribbean Sea to flow towards the west, and he 
believed that if he should follow its course, he should 
find the Indian Ocean in a direction contrary to that 
which Vasquez de Gama had taken. 

When Columbus laid his plan before the sove* 
17* 



398 LAST VOYAGE. 



reigns, they regarded it favourably. However they 
might doubt his abihties as a civil governor, they 
could not undervalue him as the greatest navigator 
of the age, and they readily provided for this fourth 
voyage. In this expedition, Columbus was permit- 
ted to take with him his brother, the adelantado, and 
his younger son, Fernando, then fourteen years of 
age. Just before his departure the sovereigns wrote 
him a letter, promising him, that all the benefits and 
privileges which had been ceded to himself and his 
descendants, in consequence of his discoveries, 
should be faithfully secured to them. "Besides 
which, they expressed their disposition to bestow far- 
ther honours upon himself, his brothers, and his chil- 
dren." 

On the 9th of May, 1502, Columbus sailed from 
Cadiz, on his fourth and last voyage of discovery. 
His squadron consisted of four small vessels. The 
crews amounted, in all, to one hundred and fifty men. 
He expected to find a passage from the Atlantic to 
the Indian Ocean. He supposed there was a strait 
near where the isthmus of Darien actually exists. 
Supposing the globe to be much smaller than it is, 
and A.sia to extend much farther to the east than it 
does, he did not presume upon the existence of the 
Pacific Ocean. If this passage could have been 
found, Columbus designed nothing less than the cir- 
cumnavigation of the globe. He was now about 
sixty-six years old. 

Columbus, in the instructions which he received 
from the sovereigns, in respect to his voyage, had 
been forbidden to touch at Hispaniola ; but, the con- 
dition of his principal vessel made it desirable for 
him to exchange her for a better. Such a one he 
presumed might be obtained from the fleet which had 
attended Ovando. You ought to be informed in what 



eobadilla's return. 199 

manner that governor had been received at Hispan- 
iola. Ovando vvas respectfully treated by Bobadilla, 
and the chief men of St. Domingo. His commission 
was soon made known, and his authority acknow- 
ledged in the colony, and Bobadilla made ready to 
return to Spain, with the fleet of Ovando. The lat- 
ter was to be accompanied by Roldan, and some of 
the disorderly persons who had so actively disturbed 
the peace of the colony. Among those who were to 
sail in the principal ship, was the unfortunate Guari- 
onex, the once powerful cacique of the Vega. He 
was now a captive and in chains. 

Bobadilla had collected an immense amount of 
gold for the Spanish government, which was to be 
shipped in the fleet ; and other adventurers had 
amassed great quantities of the same metal, obtain- 
ed by the sufferings of the unhappy natives. The 
fleet was ready for sea, when, on the 28th of June, 
the squadron of Columbus arrived off St. Domingo. 
The admiral immediately requested of Ovando a 
vessel to supply the place of a defective one in his 
possession. Ovando refused to grant this request. 
Columbus then desired permission to remain a short 
time with his squadron in the harbour, as he foresaw 
one of the violent storms, common to those latitudes. 
Ovando refused this favour also. It was grievous 
to Columbus, and his followers, to be denied shelter 
from the elements, in a part of the world which the 
former might almost call his own. 

Columbus, himself repulsed from a secure haven, 
took a generous interest in the preservation of his 
enemies. Though the weather was fine, he knew 
the signs of an impending tempest, and sent a mes- 
sage to the governor, entreating him to detain the 
fleet until the storm should be over. The seamen 
and pilots derided this caution, and the fleet of Bo- 



200 GUANAJA ISLAND. 



badilla ventured to sea. Within two days, the predic- 
tions of Columbus were verified. The storm was 
terrible. Many of the ships were lost ; some re- 
turned to St. Domingo ; and only one continued her 
voyage to Europe. Bobadilla, Koldan, and Guari- 
onex, perished, and, with them, were swallowed up 
the ill-gotten treasures gained by the miseries of 
the Indians. The squadron of Columbus did not es- 
cape unhurt, but no lives were lost, and, at length, 
they arrived safe at Port Hermoso, west of St. Do- 
mingo. 

The weather becoming favourable, Columbus 
steered to the southwest, and, on the 30th of July, 
he discovered the small island of Guanaja, one of a 
group east of the Gulf of Honduras. ♦' The ade- 
lantado, with two launches full of people, landed on 
the principal island, which was extremely verdant and 
fertile. The inhabitants resembled those of the other 
islands, excepting that their foreheads were narrower. 
While the adelantado was on shore, he beheld a great 
canoe arriving as from a distant and important voyage. 
He was struck with its magnitude and contents. It , 
was eight feet wide, and as long as a galley, though 
formed of the trunk of a single tree. In the centre 
was a kind of awning or cabin of palm leaves, after 
the manner of those in the gondolas of Venice, and 
sufficiently close to exclude both sun and rain. Under i 
this sit a cacique with his wives and children. Twenty- | 
five Indians rowed the canoe, and it was filled with all | 
kinds of articles of the manufacture and natural pro- 
duction of the adjacent countries. It is supposed 
that this bark came from the province of Yucatan, 
which is about forty leagues distant from this island. 
*' The Indians in the canoe appeared to have no 
fear of the Spaniards, and readily went alongside of 
the admiral's caraveU Columbus was overjoyed at 



NATIVES OF YUCATAN. 201 

thus having brought to him at once, without trouble 
or danger, a collection, as it were, of specimens of 
all the important articles of this part of the new world. 
He examined with great curiosity and interest the 
contents of the canoe. Among various utensils and 
weapons similar to those already found among the 
natives, ho perceived others of a much superior kind. 
There were hatchets for cutting wood, formed not of 
stone, but copper ; wooden swords, with channels on 
each side of the blade, in which sharp flints were 
firmly fixed by cords made of the intestines of fishes ; 
being the same kind of sword afterwards found among 
the Mexicans. There were copper bells, and other 
articles of the same metal, together with a rude kind 
of crucible in which to melt it ; various vessels and 
utensils, neatly formed of clay, of marble, and of 
hard wood ; sheets and mantles of cotton, worked 
and dyed with various colours ; great quantities of 
cacao, a fruit as yet unknown to the Spaniards, but 
which, as they soon found, the natives held in great 
estimation ; using it both as food and money. 

" There was a beverage, also, extracted from 
maize, or Indian corn, resembling beer. Their pro- 
visions consisted of bread made from maize, and 
roots of various kinds, similar to those of Hispaniola. 
From among these articles, Columbus selected such 
as were important to send as specimens to Spain, 
giving the natives European trinkets in exchange, 
with which they were highly satisfied. They appeared 
to manifest neither astonishment, nor alai'm, when, 
on board of the vessels, and surrounded by people 
who must have been so strange and wonderful to 
them. The women wore mantles, with which they 
wrapped themselves, hke the female Moors of Gra- 
nada, and the men had cloths of cotton around thei? 
loins." 



202 CAPE GRACIAS A BIOS. 

I have told you, that the place where Columbus 
expected to discover a strait, was where the isthmus 
of Darien was afterwards discovered. This lies 
southeast of the island of Guanaja. Thither he 
directed his course. At one place on the coast of 
Honduras, the adelantado landed, and took posses- 
sion in the name of their Catholic majesties. But, 
during forty days, the squadron was often in imminent 
danger, from a succession of violent storms. They 
arrived on the 14th of September, at a cape where a 
favourable change in the weather occurred, and the 
admiral, to commemorate this sudden relief from 
toil and peril, gave to the cape the name of Gracias 
a Dios, or Thanks to God. 

After doubhng the cape, Columbus sailed directly 
south, along what is now called the Musquito Shore 
Finding his ships much injured by the recent storms 
Columbus cast anchor between an island and the 
main land, immediately opposite to an Indian village, 
named Cariari, situated on the bank of a beautiful 
river. The inhabitants of this place, at first sight of 
the Europeans, appeared to be afraid of them, and 
prepared to defend themselves with bows, arrows, 
and war-clubs. But gifts from the admiral soob 
disarmed them, and they became perfectly assured 
and friendly. 

" For several days, the squadron remained at thif 
place ; during which time, the ships were examinee 
and repaired, and the crews enjoyed repose and th( 
recreation of the land. The adelantado, with { 
band of armed men, made excursions on shore, t( 
collect information. There was no pure gold to b« 
met with here ; ail their ornaments were of guanin 
but the natives assured the adelantado, that in pro 
(ceeding along the coast, the ships would soon arriv 
at u country where gold was in great abundance. J] 



PORTO BELL(5. 203r 



examining one of the villages, the adelantado found, 
in a large house, several sepulchres. One contained 
a human body, embalmed. In another, there were 
two bodies wrapped in cotton, and so preserved as to 
be free from any disagreeable odour. They were 
adorned with the ornaments which had been most 
precious to them when living ; and the sepulchres 
were decorated with rude carvings and paintings, 
representing various animals, and sometimes what 
appeared to be intended for portraits of the deceased. 
Throughout most of the savage tribes, there appears 
to have been great veneration for the dead, and an 
anxiety to preserve their remains undisturbed." 

On the 5th of October, the squadron sailed from 
Cariari, and pursued an easterly course along what is 
at present called Costa Rica, (or the Rich Coast.) 
All along this coast to Veragua, abundance of gold 
was exhibited by the natives, and readily exchanged 
for the trifles which the Spaniards usually gave for 
it. These Indians were hostile to the strangers at 
first, but their good will was easily purchased. Their 
language, however, was so different from that of the 
islanders, that Columbus was unable to understand 
it, and their signs were interpreted by the Spaniards 
as intimations of a country of great riches to the 
west — it might have been Peru. Columbus con- 
ceived, that the readiest way to get to that rich 
country, was through his imaginary strait, so he ne- 
glected to explore Veragua, and sailed in search of it. 

Columbus, proceeding eastward, discovered, on 
the 2d of November, an excellent harbour, which he 
named Porto Bello. "It is one of the few places, 
along this coast, which retains the appellation given it 
by the illustrious discoverer." Here the vessels* 
were pierced in all parts by worms, which abound in 
those warm seas. They are of the si7;e of a finger, 



204 THE RIVER BELEN^. 

and bore through the stoutest planks and timb< 
and soon destroy any ships that are not well coppere.i,, 
Columbus stopped at different harbours in this east- 
erly course, but discovered no country so rich in gold 
as Veragua, though he found some tracts more truly 
enriched by nature ; " not covered with thick forests, 
but open and cultivated, with houses within a bow shot 
of each other ; surrounded by fruit trees ; groves of 
palms, and fields prsvducing maize, vegetables, and 
the delicious pine-apple ; so that the whole neigh- 
bourhood had the mingled appearance of orchard 
and garden." 

After the discovery of Porto Bello, Columbus, for 
a short time, pursued the search for the strait, but no 
indications of it appearing, he thought it best to return 
to Veragua. The passage thither was long and dan- 
gerous, being interrupted by the violent storms pecu- 
liar to that part of the globe. Two rivers of that 
country, the Veragua and the Belen, empty them- 
selves into the sea near each other. The Belen, 
having the greatest depth, and the most convenient 
anchorage, Columbus, on the 9th of January, 1503, 
stationed his vessels near its mouth, and endeavoured 
to obtain some knowledge of the neighbouring coun- 
try and its inhabitants. The name of the cacique 
was Quibia, and with him and his people the adelan- 
tado commenced a friendly traffic, exchanging worth- 
less baubles for gold. Soon after the adelantado, 
and a number of men with hmi, explored the domi- 
nions of several of the petty princes of the country, 
and found in the whole tract abundance of gold. 

Columbus thought this a suitable place to found a ' 
settlement, and establish a mart for future trade in 
gold, and other products of a vast and rich country. 
On consulting with his brother, it was agreed, that 
the adelantado should remain here with eighty men. 



DiEGO MENDEZ. 205 

and Columbus should return to Spain, to procure 
other colonists. The adelantado and his men, took 
up their residence not far from the river Belen, and 
commenced building houses. The houses were formed 
of wooden poles, driven into the ground, and covered 
with the large and thick leaves of the palm-tree. But 
an unforeseen circumstance hindered the departure of 
Columbus. The Belen was sometimes swollen with 
torrents, caused by rains, which rushed into it with 
such violence that the ships were in danger ; and, 
afterwards, the waters, pouring out into the sea, left 
the bed of the river so shallow, that the vessels in it 
would not float, but stuck in the sands. Thus fixed. 
Columbus was obliged to wait till the return of rain 
should enable him to get to sea. 

In the mean time, the cacique Quibia, more saga- 
cious in his anticipations than the islanders, was dis- 
pleased with this encroachment upon his territory ; 
and communicated his uneasiness to the neighbouring 
caciques ; persuading them, at the same time, to join 
with him to surprise and burn the ships and houses, 
and make a general massacre of the Spaniards. No 
suspicion of such a design was entertained by the 
admiral and his brother, till Diego Mendez, a man 
ardently devoted to the interests of the admiral, and 
the success of his plans, carefully observing the mo- 
tions of the Indians, suspected them of hostile inten- 
tions. Mendez informed Columbus of his suspicions, 
and offered to go into the Indian camp, which lay on 
the river Veragua, to make observations. This was 
a dangerous service. One defenceless man, in the 
midst of a multitude of provoked savages, could 
hardly expect to escape with his life. But there are 
men who love danger, because it calls into exercise 
the strongest energies of their minds. 

Proceeding along the shore, about three miles from 
IS 



206 Q.UIBIA. 



the river, Mendez saw collected a thousand warriors, 
in battle array, and supplied with provisions, as for an 
expedition. Mendez hastened back to the admiral 
v/ith intelHgence of what he had observed. Colum- 
bus did not readily believe that all this preparation! 
was intended to attack him and his people. To 
ascertain that fact, Mendez set out once more, ac- 
companied by a man named Rodrigo de Escobar. 
When they came to the mouth of the Veragua, they 
met two canoes of Indians. Mendez questioned 
these by signs, and learned from them, that his suspi- 
cions were true. Mendez then requested the Indians 
to convey him up the river, to the residence of Quibia. 
They told him, that Quibia would kill him ; never- 
theless, he persevered, and the Indians landed him at 
the village of the cacique. 

Mendez found the whole village in a bustle'. 
When they perceived the Spaniards approaching the 
dwelling of Quibia, the Indians would have stopped 
them, but Mendez, offering them a few presents, ihef 
were allowed to proceed. Mendez had heard that 
Quibia had been wounded in the leg by an arrow, and, 
giving himself out for a surgeon, intimated that hei 
had come to cure the wound. The mansion of the 
cacique was in an open place, and surrounded by 
three hundred heads of warriors, who had been slain 
in battle. 

" Undismayed by so dismal an avenue to thei 
dwelling of this grim warrior, Mendez and his com-' 
panion crossed the place ; when a number of women; 
and children, who were assembled round the door, 
began to utter piercing cries, and fled with terror into 
the house. A young and powerful Indian, son to 
the cacique, sallied forth in a violent rage, and struck 
(he intruding Mendez a blow that made him recoil 
for several paces. The latter endeavoured to pacify 



Q,UIBIA SEIZED. 207 



him by gentle words ; and, taking out a box of oint- 
ment, assured him that he only came for the purpose 
of curing his father's wound. It was with great diffi- 
culty that Mendez lulled his suspicions, and pacified 
his rage, making him presents of a comb, scissors, 
and looking-glass, and teaching him and his Indians 
how to use them in cutting and arranging their hair, 
with which they were greatly delighted." 

Mendez, with all his artifice, was unable to enter 
the house of Quibia, but he learned from an Indian 
who had become attached to the white men, that the 
neighbouring chiefs had resolved upon their destruc- 
tion. After this was ascertained, strong guards were 
appointed to keep watch over the settlement and the 
squadron ; and the adelantado determined to attack 
the cacique without loss of time. The Indians, per- 
haps through fear of the fire-arms of the Spaniards, 
did not meditate an open attack upon them, and 
avoided as much as possible the appearance of being 
prepared for one. The adelantado, taking with him 
seventy-four followers \^g\\ armed, proceeded to the 
house of Quibia. That chief heard that this party 
were in sight, and sent out to request that they would 
not enter his habitation, saying, he would meet them. 

When he was sufficiently near, the adelantado per- 
ceived Quibia alone at the door of his house. At the 
desire of the cacique, Don Bartholomew advanced 
singly ; but he charged Diego Mendez, and four of 
his trusty companions, when he should make a signal, 
to come on and seize the chief. After a little dis- 
course with Quibia by means of an Indian interpreter, 
the adelantado made the sign agreed upon, and the 
chief was seized, and bound hand and foot. The 
main body of the Spaniards next surrounded the 
house, and took those within it. These were th^ 
wives and children of Quibia, and some of his princi^ 



i08 CiUlBIA ESCAPES. 



pal subjects. No blood was shed, but the distress 
of the poor savages at seeing their leader a prisoner, 
was extreme. They filled the air Avith their cries, 
and offered a great treasure for the ransom of their 
prince. 

Quibia was too dangerous an enemy to be released, 
so the adelantado was deaf to their entreaties. He 
took gold and other articles from the cacique's house, 
to the amount of 1282 dollars of the present time. 
Quibia was intrusted to the care of Juan Sanchez, the 
pilot of the squadron, who was to bring him to the 
ship. This Juan Sanchez was a great boaster, 
bragging that if the cacique should get out of his 
hands, he would give his comrades leave to pluck out 
the hairs of his beard one by one. Quibia was put 
on board a boat, and tied fast to one of the benches, 
in order to be rowed from the mouth of the Veragua 
to the ship. He complained of the tightness of the 
cords, and Sanchez, more kind than cautious, loos- 
ened them. This was what Quibia wanted, to enable 
him to escape. The night was dark, and when 
Sanchez did not observe him, the Indian, watching his 
opportunity, plunged into the river. He was accus- 
tomed to diving, could not be seen in the night, and 
contrived to make the shore without being caught. 
The rest of the Indians were afterwards conveyed to 
the ships. 

The admiral, with three of the ships, passed out 
of the river with the intention of saihng for Spain. 
Don Bartholomew remained at Veragua, retaining 
one of the vessels for the use of the settlement. 
Columbus, on account of adverse winds, remained at 
anchor near the shore ; and being in want of wood 
and water, sent a boat belonging to one of the vessels, 
and commanded by Diego Tristan, a captain of the 
ghip, to obtain the necessaiy supplies. Quibia, when 



DIEGO TRISTAN KILLED. 209 

lie returned to his house, and beheld the desolation 
which surrounded it, and learned that the vessels in 
which his wives and children were confined were 
carrying them away, he knew not whither, was trans- 
ported with fury and despair, and could only gratify 
his feelings, by killing the white men who remained 
behind. Collecting a few of his dispersed followers, 
the unfortunate cacique secretly approached the 
Spanish settlement, and made a furious attack upon 
it. But the keen edges of Spanish swords, and the 
fury of a bloodhound, which the Spaniards let loose 
upon them, sent the poor Indians howling through 
the forest. Several Indians were killed, and others 
were wounded. In this engagement one Spaniard 
was killed. 

Diego Tristan saw this battle from his boat in the 
river, notwithstanding which, he ascended three miles 
above the settlement to a place where the v/ater was 
fresh. There he was seen by the Indians, who dart- 
ed from the woods, manned their light canoes, and 
surrounded the boat almost in a moment. Yells, and 
the blasts of conch shells, resounded on every side, 
and darts were hurled in every direction. Tristan, 
and all the men with him, except one, were killed. 
One Juan de Noya, a cooper of Seville, fell over- 
board in the action, dived under the water, and after- 
wards swam to the bank of the river. There he con- 
cealed himself, and shortly after conveyed tidings 
to the adelantado of the massacre of his comrades. 

This intelligence filled the Spaniards with horror. 
They resolved at once, to seize the vessel which had 
been left for their use, and to fallow the admiral ; 
but the river was again shallow, and a boat which 
was sent forth to bear intelligence of the disaster to 
Columbus, was driven back by a heavy sea, and bois- 
terous winds. The Indians, made confident by 
18* 



210 DISTRESS OF THE SPANIARDS. 



their recent victory, were heard every day at shortr : 
distances, and in larger numbers round the setti' 
ment, blowing their conchs, and beating their rucii 
war drums. The adelantado no longer felt any se- 
curity in the present defence of the place ; therefore 
he caused a rude and slight fortress to be construct- 
ed of casks, chests, and similar articles. In this the 
Spaniards entrenched themselves, having mounted in 
a proper manner, two small pieces of artillery, to 
keep off the enemy. 

During this season of peril to the colonists, Co- 
lumbus and his crews were not much more safe or 
comfortable. The admiral could not account for the 
prolonged absence of Diego Tristan ; and a dismal 
circumstance occurred about this time in one of the 
ships. The family and household of Quibia had 
been detained in one of the vessels, but the fore- 
castle, into which they were put, not being well fast- 
ened, was one night forced open by some of the 
.strongest among the prisoners, and a considerable 
number of them plunged into the sea, and swam to 
the shore. The alarm being given, those who had 
not yet escaped, were forced back into the forecastle, 
and the hatchway or opening was thoroughly secured. 
In the morning, when the Spaniards visited the pris- 
oners, they were all found dead. By means of ropes, 
and in other ways, these wretched people had ter- 
minated their sufferings. 

This shocking event was grievous to the admiral ; 
and his ignorance of the fate of Tristan, and of the 
condition of the adelantado and his men ; and the 
impossibility of proceeding in his voyage till the in- 
telligence could be obtained, made him truly wretch- 
ed, — though even in this state, his sufferings were 
alleviated by a firm belief, that " trouble comes not 
from the ground," and that God, who suffers all the 



l.EDESMA. 211 



evils that afflict the children of men, can, and will, 
in his own way and time, deliver them from all thcii- 
sufTerings. While things were in this state, Pedro 
Ledesma, a pilot of Seville, and a man of great 
strength and courage, offered to swim ashore, make 
his way on foot to the settlement, and learn the worst 
that had happened. 



■ »I Mt CgO«««-- 



CHAPTER XIX. 

You have been told that a boat which attempted to 
pass from the settlement to the ships, was forced 
back by the violence of the waves. This boisterous 
state of the sea continued, and prevented any com- 
munication ; but Ledesma having seen the fugitive 
Indians encounter and overcome this rough sea, that 
he might relieve the fears of Columbus and his men, 
generously offered to make the same attempt. His 
offer was gladly accepted by Columbus, and Ledes- 
ma being conveyed as far as safety would permit, 
*' stripping himself, plunged into the sea, and after 
buffeting for some time with the breakers, sometimes 
rising upon their surges, sometimes buried beneath 
them, and dashed upon the sand, succeeded in reach- 
ing the shore." 

When at last Ledesma reached the settlement, the 
Spaniards surrounded him with frantic impatience. 
Each eager to hear from the squadron, and striving 
who should be heard, as they related the sad story of 
their dangers and fears, and declared their resolution 
to abandon the settlement. The hardy Ledesma 
bavins: heard of the death of Tristan and his men^ 



212 coLur.iBUs leave.^ vkragua. 



and all the calamities which had come upon his 
countrymen, and having conversed particularly with 
the adelantado, set out upon his perilous return, 
which was fortunately accomplished. Columbus, on 
receiving this intelligence, was in some measure re- 
lieved, even by the certainty of misfortune ; but 
days of painful suspense, in respect to the removal 
of the colonists, followed the return of Ledesma. 

It was necessary that intelhgence of the discovery 
of Veragua, should be conveyed to Spain ; and it 
was unsafe to leave the colony in its present state, — 
therefore, Columbus judged it best to take off the 
adelantado and his men. On the ninth day after 
Ledesma's return, the weather was calm, and com- 
munication betv.-een the ships and the land became 
easy, though it was impracticable to float the vessel*^ 
which had been left in the river. By the means of j| 
some canoes and spars tied together, so as to form a 
raft, the men of the settlement and the better part 
of their property, were conveyed to the ships. This 
transportation occupied tv/o days. The most active 
man employed in it, was Diego Mendez, and as some 
recompense for his extraordinary exertions, Colum- 
bus gave him the command of the vessel made vacant 
by the death of Diego Tristan. 

When the Spaniards of the settlement were safe 
on board the ships, nothing could equal the mutual 
joy of themselves and their former associates ; andj 
they never thought of the hardships which awaited' 
them. Towards the end of April, 1503, Columbus 
set sail from the coast of Veragua, intending to make 
the best of his way to Hispaniola, there to refit his 
ships, and afterwards to continue his course tc 
Europe. This intention was sadly frustrated. Tem- 
pests, in which, to use an expression of Columbus 
'* it seemed that the world would dissolve," drovf 



VESSELS STRANDED. 213^ 



the crazy vessels upon a raging sea, till the 23d of 
June. During that time, one of the vessels became 
unfit for service, was abandoned, and the crew divided 
among those of the other two ships. 

On the 23d of June, the vessels had become so 
crazy, that Columbus, then on the coast of Jamaica, 
was forced to put into a harbour of that island, and 
to fall upon some plan to inform the governor of 
Hispaniola of their condition, and to request of him 
some vessels instead of those which were no longer 
able to stem the winds and waves. These vessels 
were ready to sink, and Columbus had them run 
aground and fastened together, side by side, and fitted 
up for the occupation of the people who were on 
board, until means could be obtained of quitting the 
island. The men were forbidden to go on shore 
only as they were ordered, and they were commanded 
to avoid all provocation of the Indians, as the food 
of the shipwrecked Spaniards, who had already suf- 
fered much for want of provisions, was entirely to be 
procured from the supplies which could be obtained 
of the natives. 

It was soon discovered that the immediate neigh- 
bourhood of the ships would not afford food enough 
for the subsistence of the Spaniards, and they began 
to feel themselves in danger of famine. In their 
distress, Diego Mendez proposed to take three men, 
and proceed to the interior of the island, and there 
make an agreement with the caciques for the regular 
supply of the ships, offering knives, combs, and other 
articles, in exchange for the productions of the 
country. The Indians readily consented to these 
terms. Mendez having made these arrangements, 
sent back his companions to the ships, and deter 
mined to explore the coast of the island alone. 

Mendez requested of the cacique two Indians to 



!14 DIECO MENDEZ. 



accompany him, one to carry his food, and another 
the cotton hamac, which he suspended from the 
branches of trees when he slept. "With these he 
pushed resolutely forward until he reached the 
eastern extremity of Jamaica. Here he found a 
powerful cacique of the name of Amegro. He and 
the cacique became great friends, exchanging names, 
as was a custom of the Indians, between persons 
intimately united. Of Amegro, Mendez bought an 
excellent canoe, ^' for which he gave a splendid brass 
basin, a short frock or cassock, and one of the two 
shirts which formed his stock of linen. The cacique 
furnished him with six Indians to navigate his bark, 
and they parted mutually well pleased," Mendez 
reached the ships in safety, and was cordially received 
by Columbus. 

The Indians fulfilled their engagements to supply 
the Spaniards with food, and for a time the latter felt 
no want. Their situation, however, was extremely 
uncomfortable. Confined to the wrecks of their 
ships, without any employment, they suffered many 
privations and fears, and, to endure their hard con- 
dition, had need of more patience than they pos- 
sessed. Colurpbus was exceedingly anxious to be 
delivered from this weary bondage. But how should 
they procure relief? The distance from Jamaica 
to Hispaniola, was one hundred and twenty miles 
across a gulf swept by contrary currents. From the 
humanity of the governor, he might expect assist- 
ance, but who would trust himself to a frail canoe, 
and hazard his life to rescue his countrymen 1 

The bold character of Diego Mendez, and the 
possession of his little canoe, was the only hope 
of Columbus. Mr. Irving, in a very interesting, 
manner, relates the discourse they held together, 
'cpncemipg this entei-prise. 



MENDEZ AND COLUMBUS. 215 

" Diego Mendez, my son," said the venerable 
admiral, " nobody, of all those I have here, under- 
stands the great peril in which we are placed, except- 
ing you and myself. We are few in number, and 
these savage Indians are many, and of fickle and 
irritable natures. On the least provocation, they 
may throw firebrands from the shore, and consume 
U3 in our straw-thatched cabins. The arrangement 
which you have made with them for provisions, and 
which at present they fulfil so cheerfully, to-morrow 
they may break, in their caprice, arid may refuse to 
bring us any thing ; nor have we the means to com- 
pel them by force, but are entirely at their pleasure. 
I have thought of a remedy, if it meets with your 
views. In this canoe which you have purchased, 
some one may pass over to Hispaniola, and procure 
a ship, by which we may all be delivered from this 
great peril into which we have fallen. Tell me your 
opinion in the matter." 

Diego Mendez replied nearly as follows : " I well 
know our danger, Senior. — To pass from this island 
to Hispaniola in so small a vessel as a canoe, is not 
only difficult, I fear it is impossible. I know not a 
man who would engage in so perilous an adventure." 
Columbus did not answer, but he looked at Mendez 
as if he would have said, no other man than yourself 
would undertake it, but your extraordinary hardihood 
might perform this eminent service for us. 

Perceiving the admiral's solicitude, Mendez added, 
" Senior, I have exposed my life to preserve you, 
and all those who are here, and God has graciously 
brought me safe out of all dangefs ; but some say 
that your excellency gives me these hazardous ser- 
vices, because I seek the honour of them, and there 
are other men who could perform them as well as I. 
I beg, therefore, you would summon all the pepple^ 



216 MENDEZ TAKEN PRISONEH. 

" •■ ' t-^ 

and would propose this enterprise to them. If any 
man desires, let him execute it, but if all should de- 
chne it, then you must command me." 

The admiral, willing to gratify Mendez, and glad 
p{ his implied consent to the undertaking, the next 
day assembled the crew, and submitted the proposi- 
tion to them. Every one shuddered at the thought 
of it, pronouncing it the height of temerity. Mendez 
then stepped forward, and addressing the admiral 
said, " Senior, I have but one life to lose, I will gladly 
risk it for your good, and the lives of all here present." 

Columbus upon this, embraced and thanked him, 
and proceeded to fit him out for his hazardous voy- 
age. Mendez tarred his canoe, furnished it with a 
mast and sail, and put in provisions for himself, an- 
other Spaniard, and six Indians. Columbus intrust- 
ed to him one letter to Ovando, and another to the 
king and queen ; for Mendez, if he should reach 
Hispaniola in safety, was directed to take passage 
in the first ship bound for Spain. Columbus detailed 
all his misfortunes to the sovereigns, entreated that a 
vessel might be sent to convey him to Europe, and 
described in glowing colours the natural wealth of 
Veragua ; suggesting that it ought immediately to 
be settled, for the advantages that would accrue to 
Spain from the riches of its mines ; and intimating 
that the conversion of the natives was a service due 
to God. 

The despatches being ready, IMendez and his com- 
rades embarked, and departed in an easterly course. 
They proceeded to the end of the island, where they 
were detained by rough weather. In this situation 
they were surrounded by Indians, and carried off into 
the woods, to a distance of three miles from the 
shore, the natives taking with them whatever they 
isould findi in the canoe. These Indians would hav*? 



HENDEZ AxND I'lESCO. 217 

killed the two Spaniards, but they fell to quarrelling 
among themselves about the division of the spoils 
taken with the prisoners. Mendez took advantage 
of their altercation, and when the Indians did not 
notice him, ran off as fast as he could, and at length 
found his way to the canoe. He was alone, but 
springing into his little bark, he rowed himself to the 
harbour, and arrived after fifteen days absence. 

Columbus rejoiced in the escape of the faithful 
Mendez, though he was grieved at the failure of his 
message. Mendez, no way daunted at the hard- 
ships he had suffered, offered to make a second at- 
tempt, if a number of men, sufiicient to protect him 
from the natives, would proceed on foot along the 
coast to the end of the island, while he should navi- 
gate his small vessel near the shore. Bartolomeo 
Fiesco, a Geneose, a worthy man, and much attached 
to Columbus, was associated with Mendez in the 
second expedition. Tv.'o canoes were fitted out, in 
which went ten Indians, and six Spaniards. The 
adelantado was at the head of the troop which pro- 
tected them along shore, and they reached the end of 
the island, unmolested by the Indians. Here they 
took leave of each other, and Mendez proceeded on 
his voyage. 

Mendez and Fiesco had not long been gone, when 
the crews of Columbus began to grow sickly. They 
were in want of every comfort, and had nothing to 
do but to sit upon their dreary hulks, and look upon 
the water — straining their eyes to discern the canoe, 
if it might be returning ; and being disappointed, to 
wonder why it stayed, and to repine, because they 
presumed it was lost, and they were left to perish. 
Columbus was ill of the gout, and worn out with 
fatigue : his men had no consideration for him, and 
even accused him as the author of their misfortunes. 
10 



218 PORRAS. 

Two of the officers of Columbus, Francisco and 
Diego de Porras, encouraged these discontents, per- 
suaded the men that Cokimbus was too old to direct 
them wisely, and that they ought to take possession of 
some canoes which he had purchased of the Indians, 
and depart in them for Spain. 

On the 2d of January, 1504, Porras entered the 
small cabin where the admiral was confined to his 
bed by the gout, and told him in an insolent manner, 
what he and others were resolved upon. The admi- 
ral remonstrated, endeavouring to convince him of 
his folly, in making such an attempt. But Porras, 
far from acknowledging the wisdom, or the authority 
of the admiral, exclaimed, in a voice so loud that 
he was heard all over the ship — " I am for Castile ! 
those who choose may follow me !" Shouts imme- 
diately arose from all sides — " I will follow you ! 
and I, and I!" As many of the crew as consented 
to this desperate plan, sprang upon the most conspi- 
cuous parts of the ship, brandished their weapons, 
and vociferated, " To Castile ! to Castile !" threaten- 
ing the life of the admiral, and some demanding 
of Porras what they should do. 

The Porras brothers were not more wise than loy- 
al. They directed their followers to the canoes, and 
ordered them to take along what provisions they could 
find. Forty-eight men abandoned the ships, and 
attached themselves to Porras. Those who remain- 
ed with Columbus, were his principal officers, a few 
faithful adherents, and many more sick and disabled 
men. These were deeply afflicted with the mutiny 
and departure of their comrades, but as much as Co 
lumbus was grieved by this event, he comforted thosf 
who continued in the ships, admonishing them, tha 
God had never forsaken, and would still sustaL ' 
them. 



STRATAGEM OF COLUMBUS. 219 

Porras and his infatuated crew coasted along the 
shore, stopping and landing frequently, robbing the 
Indians wherever they went, and telling them they 
might go to Columbus for pay, and might kill him, if 
he should deny them. Having reached the end of 
the island, these mutineers attempted the passage to 
Ilispaniola, but after making two unsuccessful at- 
tempts, they returned to Jamaica, and went roving 
about the island, committing all the abuses upon the 
Indians that they had power to do. While these 
wicked men were doing all the harm they could, the 
excellent Columbus exhibited his usual piety, pa- 
tience, and benevolence. Relieved from the pre- 
sence of the more disorderly part of his crew, he was 
enabled to bring the others under wholesome disci- 
pline, and to make them submit to their unfortunate 
circumstances. 

These unhappy circumstances, were soon aggra- 
vated by a failure in the supply of food — the Indians, 
never overstocked, at length neglected to provide 
what they had agreed to furnish. The scarcity 
daily increased, and the Indians, learning the art of 
making bargains, demanded a larger quantity of Eu- 
ropean articles for such provisions as they brought. 
In this extremity Columbus was forced to practise a 
deception. 

" From his knowledge of astronomy, he ascertain- 
ed, that within three days there would be a total 
eclipse of the moon, in the early part of the night. 
He sent, therefore, an Indian of the island of His- 
paniola, who served as his interpreter, to summon 
the principal caciques to a great conference, appoint- 
ing for it the day of the eclipse. When all were as- 
sembled, he told them by his interpreter that he and 
his followers were the worshippers of a deity who 
Jived in the skies. That this deitv favoured such as 



220 STRATAGEM OF C0LU3iBUS. 



did weil, but punished all transgressors. That, as 
they must all have noticed, he had protected Diego 
Mendez and his companions in their voyage, they 
having gone in obedience to the orders of their com- 
mander ; but that on the other hand, he had visited 
Porras and his companions with all kinds of crosses 
and afflictions, in consequence of their rebellion. 
That this great deity was incensed against the In- 
dians who had refused or neglected to furnish his faith- 
ful worshippers with provisions, and intended to chas- 
tise them with famine and pestilence. Lest they should 
disbelieve this warning, a signal would be given that 
very night, in the heavens. They would behold the 
moon change its colour and gradually lose its light ; 
u token of the fearful punishment which awaited 
them. 

Many of the Indians were alarmed at the solem- 
nity of this prediction ; others treated it with scoffing. 
They all, however, awaited with solicitude the com- 
ing of the night. When they beheld a dark shadow 
.stealing over the moon, they began to tremble. 
Their fears increased with the progress of the 
eclipse ; and, when they saw mysterious darkness 
covering the whole face of nature, there were no 
bounds to their terror. Seizing upon whatever pro- 
visions they could procure, they hunied to the ships, 
uttering cries and lamentations. They threw them- 
selves at the feet of Columbus, implored him to 
intercede with his God to withhold the threatened 
calamities, and assured him that thenceforth they 
would bring him whatever he required. Columbus 
told them he would retire and commune with the 
deity. Shutting himself up in his cabin, he remained 
there during the increase of the eclipse ; the forests 
and shores all the while resounding with the bowlings 
and supplications of the savages. When the eclipse 



HJS SUCCESS. - 221 



was about to diminish, he came forth and informed the 
natives, that he had interceded for them with his God, 
who, on condition of their fulfiihng their promises, had 
deigned to pardon them : in sign of which, he would 
withdraw the darkness from the moon. When the 
Indians saw that planet restored presently to its 
brightness, and rolling in all its beauty through the 
firmament, they overwhelmed the admiral with thanks 
for his intercession, and repaired to their homes, joy- 
ful at having escaped such great disasters. They 
now regarded Columbus with awe and reverence, as 
a man in the peculiar favour and confidence of the 
deity, since he knew upon earth what was passing 
in the heavens. They hastened to propitiate him with 
gifts ; supplies again arrived daily at the harbour, 
and from tliat time forward there was no want of 
provisions." 



CHAPTER XX. 

You would doubtless like to hear something from 
Diego Mendez. Eight months elapsed, and no intel- 
ligence from him reached his poor countrymen at 
Jamaica. They were almost worn out with hope 
deferred, when a vessel was seen at a distance, 
approaching the harbour. The Spaniards were trans- 
ported with joy, and at length a boat put forth from 
the strange vessel and rowed towards them. When 
the boat came alongside of the ships, one Diego de 
Escobar, formerly an enemy of Columbus, and a con- 
federate in Roldan's conspiracy, was discerned in it. 
This man delivered a letter from Ovando to Co- 
lumbus, and a present of some wine and bacon. 
19* 



222 DIEGO MEN'DEZ. 



The letter stated that there was then no vessel a' 
St. Domingo suitable for the use of Columbus, h\n 
that one should be sent to him as soon as possible. 
Escobar requested the admiral, if it were his will, to 
write a letter to Ovando in reply, as soon as should 
be convenient, as he had been instructed immediate- 
ly to return to St. Domingo. This abrupt departure 
was a severe disappointment to the Spaniards. The 
tardiness of Ovando in relieving Columbus is not 
easily accounted for. It may be, that knowing he 
held the government which had belonged to the 
admiral, he apprehended, if Columbus should return 
to St. Domingo, and reside there till a vessel could 
be got ready for his transportation to Spain, the 
people v/ould take part with Columbus, and the 
contentions wliich had disturbed the colony would 
be renewed ; and he chose rather, that Columbus 
should continue where he was, until a direct convey* 
ance to Europe might be sent him. 

Diego Mendez reached Cape Tiburon on the 
fourth day after he had taken leave of the adelantado 
and his men. This passage was painful and danger- 
ous. " There was no wind, the sky was without a 
cloud, and the sea perfectly calm, the heat therefore 
became intolerable." The Indians who rowed the 
boat, exhausted by heat and toil, would throw them- 
selves into the water to cool their glowing bodies, 
and return refreshed to their labour at the oar. But 
the most painful sensation which the whole party ex- 
perienced, was from tormenting thirst, when their 
water being nearly expended, they were forced to 
alleviate their sufferings by sparing mouthfuis only. 
'* One of the Indians sunk and died, under the accu- 
mulated sufferings of labour, heat, and parching 
thirst. Others lay panting and gasping in the bottom 
of the canoes. Their companions, troubled in 



rilZ ISLAND OP NAVASA* 223 



spirit, and exhausted in strength, feebly continued 
their toils. One after another gave out, and it seem- 
ed impossible that they should live to reach His- 
paniola. 

While they were in this state, a little island called 
Navasa was perceived by Diego Mendez. It was 
discovered by the light of the moon, and the next 
morning at day break, the crews were enabled to 
land. " Then, springing on shore, they returned 
thanks to God for such signal deliverance." The 
island was a mere mass of rocks. " There was 
neither tree, nor shrub, nor herbage, nor stream, nor 
fountain." Cavities in the rocks had secreted rain 
water, and of this the Indians drank so immoderately 
that several of them died upon the spot. Arrived at 
Cape Tiburon, the voyagers experienced kindness 
from the natives. Fiesco would have returned to 
the ships to inform Columbus that his messenger had 
arrived, but the Spaniards and Indians, on account of 
their late sufferings, absolutely refused to make the 
passage in a canoe. 

Mendez left his companions at Cape Tiburon, 
and set out in his canoe with six Indians for St. Do- 
mingo. Having proceeded along shore part of the 
way, he heard that Ovando was in the interior, in 
the province of Xaragua. On learning this fact, this 
indefatigable man, left the canoe, and travelled on 
foot one hundred and fifty miles into the country. 
He found the governor engaged in wars with the na- 
tives ; but Mendez was received m- ith kindness, and 
Ovando promised to attend to his suit when he should 
have leisure. Mendez waited seven months in Xa- 
ragua for the convenience of the governor, who was 
more concerned to make the lives of the poor 
Indians bitter with hard bondage, than to rescue his 
unfortunate countrymen. At length Ovando gave 



22-4 MUTINEERS DEFEATED. 

Mendez permission to go to St. Domingo, and wait 
the arrival of certain vessels which were expected. 
Two of these were promised for the use of Co- 
lumbus. 

During this season the rebels under Porras formed 
a plan to attack the ships, take the admiral prisoner, 
and plunder the stores. Columbus had previously 
sent messengers to them with offers of forgiveness, if 
they would return to their duty ; when he learned 
their base project, he empowered his brother, the 
adelantado, to go on shore, and to discuss with Por- 
ras the iniquity of their purposes, — generously in- 
tending, if possible, to reform and reconcile those 
abandoned men. The roving life which the conspi- 
rators had lately led, made them, more than ever, 
averse to all subordination. 

The adelantado v/ent to meet the rebels at the 
head of fifty men well armed. Porras and his men 
phowed no regard to the amicable intention of Don 
Bartholomew, but disposing themselves in battle 
array, commenced an attack upon him. The ade- 
lantado was prepared, and after a short conflict, 
Francisco de Porras was taken, and five of the 
rebels killed. The adelantado gained a complete 
victory. He then returned in triumph to the ships, 
where his brother received him in the most affection- 
ate manner. He brought Porras, and several of 
his followers prisoners. On the next day the rebels 
sent a petition to the admiral entreating pardon, 
and promising submission. The admiral, with his 
wonted magnanimity, granted their prayer on the 
condition that their leader Francisco dc Porras 
should remain a prisoner. 

After a long year of confinement at the harbour 
of San Gloria, (as Columbus called it,) two vessels 
came to the relief of the admiral and his men. i 



COLUMBUS AT ST. DOMINGO. 225 

When Mendez had seen these vessels depart from 
St. Domingo, he proceeded to Spain, as he had been 
ordered. " On the 28th of June, Columbus took 
a joyful leave of the wreck in which he had been so 
long immured, and all the Spaniards embarked, 
friend and foe, on board of the vessels, which then 
made sail for St. Domingo." Adverse winds and 
currents prolonged the passage, but on the 13th of 
August it was accomplished, and Columbus onco 
more landed in St. Domingo. 

He had left that city a prisoner, and in chains ; 
he returned thither without disgrace, but years and 
sorrows had broken his constitution. Still he pos- 
sessed the same exalted soul which he had mani- 
fested in the days of his power ; and the sentiment 
of his merits and his wrongs, touched every feeling 
heart. The governor, and all the principal inhabit- 
ants came out to meet him, and received him with 
demonstrations of respect. He was lodged at the 
house of Ovando, and treated there as became a 
man of high rank. Notwithstanding this specious 
courtesy, the character of Ovando was detestable 
to Columbus, 

I have not given you any details of the adminis- 
tration of Ovando. He seems to have been a man 
wholly destitute of humanity, and to have served 
the king of Spain with that short-sighted rapacity 
which dwells more upon the present than the future, 
and aims at the immediate gratifications of selfish- 
ness, rather than the ultimate benefit of society, 
This is sometimes called worldly wisdom ; but such 
wisdom is foolishness, compared with the generous 
purposes, the disinterested labours, and the untired 
long-suffering exhibited by Columbus. The op- 
pression and massacres of the Indians, which Ovan- 
do ordered and encouracjed, need not be related t<> 



226 PATE OF ANACAONA. 

you. Mr. Irving, in a single passage, has recorded 
the consequences of them. 

*' The sojourn of Columbus at St. Domingo, was 
but little calculated to yield him satisfaction. He 
was grieved at the desolation of the island by the 
oppressive treatment of the natives, and the horri- 
ble massacres which had been perpetrated by Ovando 
and his agents. Columbus had fondly hoped at one 
time, to have rendered the natives civilized, indus- 
trious, and tributary subjects to the crown, and to 
have derived from their well regulated labour a 
great and steady revenue. How different had been 
the event. The five great tribes which had peopled 
the mountains and the valleys at the time of the 
discovery, and had rendered, by their mingled towns 
and villages, and tracts of cultivation, the rich levels 
of the Vegas so many ' painted gardens,' had almost 
all passed away ; and the native princes had perished 
chiefly by violent and ignominious deaths." 

The fate of Anacaona must interest you. That 
princess, on the death of her brother Behechio, suc- 
ceeded to the government. Her former partiality to 
the Spaniards, was at length changed to detestation, 
by the injuries inflicted upon her countrymen, which 
were constantly augmenting. Still she refrained 
from open hostility. The Indians of Xaragua sub- 
mitted to the exactions of the Spaniards as patiently 
as they could, but quarrels would arise between 
them and their oppressors. Complaints were sent 
to Ovando of their refractoriness, and he v/ent into 
their province with three hundred foot soldiers, and 
seventy horsemen. He pretended that he was 
going upon a friendly visit to Anacaona. 

Anacaona, hearing of the intended visit, made 
preparations for it, assembling her caciques and 
principal subjects. When Ovando and his troop 



COLUMBUS EMBARKS FOR SPAIN. 227 

appeared, she treated them as she had formerly 
treated the adelantado. For several days the Indians 
entertained the Spaniards with their national games, 
and were in their turn to be diverted by certain 
chivalrous exercises which the Spaniards had learned 
from the Moors in Grenada. The armed soldiers of 
Ovando were instructed, when the Indians should be 
assembled for this festivity, to seize Anacaona and 
the chiefs, upon the pretence that Anacaona had in 
reality assembled her subjects with a mutinous 
intention. The soldiers obeyed these instructions, 
and fell upon the unsuspecting natives. Anacaona, 
was led away a prisoner, and the chiefs were driven 
into a large house, — the house was soon set on fire, 
and the caciques perished miserably in the flames. 
Anacaona was carried in chains to St. Domingo. 
After a mock trial, being pronounced guilty, " she 
was ignominiously hanged in the presence of the 
people whom she had so long, and so signally be- 
friended." 

On the 12th of September, Columbus set sail 
for Spain. On the seventh of November, 1504, he 
arrived in the harbour of San Lucas. From thence 
he was conveyed in a very ill state of health to 
Seville. The privileges which had been granted 
by the crown to Columbus might have made him 
rich, but he was too much employed in the public 
service to pay proper attention to his concerns ; 
and persons intrusted with them, were not careful 
of his interests. " I receive nothing of the reve- 
nue due to me," said he in a letter to his son 
Diego. " Little have I profited by twenty years 
of service, with such toils and perils, since at pre- 
sent I do not own a roof in Spain. If I desire to 
eat or sleep, I have no resort but an inn, and for the 
most time.=!, have not wherewithal to pay my • •' " 



228 HIS DISINTERESTEDNESS. 



In his adversity) he was yet more solicitous for the 
payment of his men than iiimself : he wrote repeat- 
edly to the sovereigns in their behalf. " They are 
poor," said he, " and it is now nearly three years 
since they left their homes* They have endured in- 
finite toils and perils, and they bring invaluable tidings^ 
for which their majesties ought to give thanks to God, 
and rejoice."— Ho v/ kind he was to the evil, and the 
unthankful ! — These, for whom he entreated justice 
and favour, were, some of them, the very men who 
who had rebelled against him, and insulted his 
authority. 

From Seville, Columbus wrote to the king a just 
representation of the misgovernment of Ovando; and 
he asked now to be restored to his proper dignity of 
viceroy in the countries which he had discovered. 
He was too ill to appear at court, and his enemy, 
Porras, who had been set at liberty in St. Domingo 
by Ovando, and who was now in Spain and at large, 
might circulate false reports to the injury of his cha- 
racter. To a man of the honourable spirit of Colum- 
bus, this situation was exquisitely painful. His son, 
Diego, and Diego Mendez, were at court, and he 
relied upon their services. " I trust," said he, " that 
the trutli and diligence of Diego ?»Iendez v/ill have asr 
much avail as the lies of Porras." His honest decla- 
ration of his faithfulness and zeal is very affecting. [ 
" I have served their majesties, said he, with as much 
zeal and diligence, as if it had been to gain paradise ; 
and, if I have failed in any thing, it has been because 
my knowledge and my powers went no farther." 

Columbus was about to sustain a heavy affliction : 
it was the death of the admirable queen, Isabella. 
" She was," says Mr. Irving, " one of the purest 
spirits that ever ruled over the destinies of a nation." 
But, exalted as were her character and her station^ 



DEATH OF ISABELLA. 229 

many afflictions disturbed her repose, so that sorrow, 
as well as disease, shortened her days. 

" After four months of illness, she died on the 26th 
of November, 1504, at Medino del Campo, in the 
fifty-fourth year of her age ; but long before her eyes 
closed upon the world, her heart had closed on all its 
pomps and vanities. ' Let my body,' said she in her 
will, ' be interred in the monastery of San Francisco, 
which is in the Alhambra of the city of Granada, in a 
low sepulchre, without any monument except a plain 
stone upon the earth, with the inscription cut in it. 
But I desire and command, that if the king, my lord, 
should choose a sepulchre in any church or monastery, 
in any other part or place of these my kingdoms, that 
my body shall be transported thither, and buried 
beside the body of his highness ; so that the union 
we have enjoyed while living, and which, through the 
mercy of God, we hope our souls will experience in 
heaven, may be represented by our bodies in the 
earth.' " 

This passage only expresses the humility of Isa- 
bella, and her sincere attachment to her husband. 
Besides the value and beauty of her domestic charac- 
ter ; her zeal to promote the dissemination of all the 
religion she knew ; her indignation at the wrongs in- 
flicted upon her Indian subjects ; her friendship for 
Columbus, and the active interest she took in his 
undertakings, are traits of exalted understanding and 
goodness, and make her worthy of admiration, praise, 
and imitation to all posterity. 

Durinij the winter of 1505, and the ensuing spring, 
Columbus remained ill at Seville. Ferdinand, in this 
time, made no acknowledgment of his distinguished 
services, nor did he express any intention to reinstate 
him in his dignities. The adelantado, in this season 
of affliction, did not forsake his brother ; he repaired 
20 



230 SONS OF C0LUMBU3. 

to court, to intercede in liis behalf, taking with him 
Fernando Columbus, then seventeen years of age. 

" The latter, the affectionate father repeatedly 
represents to his son Diego, as a man in understand- 
ing and conduct, though but a stripling in years ; 
and inculcates the strongest fraternal attachment, 
alluding to his own brethren with one of those beauti- 
fully artless and affecting touches, which speaks the 
kindness of his heart. ' To thy brother, conduct 
thyself as the elder brother should unto the younger ; 
thou hast no other, and I praise God that this is such 
a one as thou art in need of. * * * Ten brothers 
would not be too many for thee. Never have I found 
a better friend, to right or left, than my brothers.' '* 

" It was not until the month of May, that the ad- 
miral was able, in company with his brother the ade- 
lantado, to accompUsh his journey to court, which 
was at that time held at Segovia. He, who but a 
few years before, had entered the city of Barcelona 
in triumph, attended by the nobility and chivalry of 
Spain, and hailed with rapture by the multitude, now 
arrived within the gates of Segovia, a wayworn, mel- 
ancholy, and neglected man ; oppressed more by his 
griefs, than even by his years and infirmities. When 
he presented himself at court, he met with none of 
that distinguished attention, that cordial kindness, that 
cherishing sympathy, which his unparalleled services, 
and his recent sufferings had merited." 

The king, however, heard the suit of Columbus 
with complacency, but he did not acknowledge him as 
the head of government, and his own representative 
in the new world. Columbus, feeling his own rapid I 
decline, and weary of attendance upon a hardhearted 
prince, negligent of his extraordinary claims, ceased 
to ask any thing for himself, and only entreated that 
the privileges and honours of which he had bee» 



DEATH OF COLUMBUS. 231 

wrongfully deprived, juight be bestowed upon his son 
Biego. 

Feeling death approaching, he wrote a last testa- 
ment, making his son Diego his chief heir, and leav- 
ing some of his property to charitable uses. — Among 
those present on this melancholy occasion, was Bar- 
tolomeo Fiesco, who had accompanied Diego Men- 
dez on his perilous voyage from Jamaica to His- 
paniola. 

" Having thus scrupulously attended to all the 
claims of affection, loyalty, and justice, upon earth, 
Columbus turned his thoughts to heaven ; and, having 
received the holy sacraments, and performed all the 
pious offices of a devout Christian, he expired with 
great resignation on the day of Ascension, the 20th 
of May, 1506, being about seventy years of age. 
His last words were, *' Li manus tuas Domine com- 
mendo spiritum meiim :" Into thy hands, Lord, I 
commend my spirit !" 

His body was first interred at Valladolid. In 1513, 
it was removed to Seville. Diego Columbus, the 
son of the admiral, died in Spain, 1526. His remains 
were interred with his father's, at Seville. In the 
year 1536, both bodies w^ere conveyed to Hispaniola, 
and interred in the principal chapel of the cathedral 
of the city of St. Domingo. They were once more 
disinterred ; and, at present, rest in Havana, in the 
island of Cuba. Ferdinand ordered a monument in 
honour of Columbus, to be erected with this in- 
scription : 

POR CASTILLA Y POR LEON 
NUEVO MUNDO HALLO COLON. 

" For Castile and Leon, Columbus found a new 
world." 



232 HIS CHARACTER. 



I have now brought you, my young readers, to 
the melancholy termination of one of the most glo- 
rious lives ever spent by man upon earth, if its con- 
sequences to mankind be considered. It is sad to 
read of so great afflictions heaped upon the head of 
such eminent merit ; but there is a promise for the 
life which is to come, that all virtue shall have its 
reward. When we regret that the contemporaries of 
Columbus were not worthy to estimate his worth, we 
must remember, that his sense of God's justice and 
mercy, was light from heaven ; and that the sublime 
trust which he felt in the divine goodness, was an in- 
timation that the happiness he never knew here, was 
reserved for him hereafter. 

His character, exalted as it was, is easily compre- 
hended, and, to a certain degree, easy of imitation. 
He cultivated his understanding dihgently ; he de- 
voted himself to the service of God sincerely, and he 
applied his talents to the benefit of mankind faithfully. 
He was distinguished by faith and piety, by perse- 
verence and fortitude, by exemplary patience and 
placability, by disinterestedness and the sense of 
justice, by a true love of nature, by a great genius, and 
a benevolent heart, and by knowledge as exact and 
extensive as the age in which he lived would permit. 

He never comprehended the magnitude of liis dis- 
coveries. To use the beautiful language of Mr. 
Irving, " What visions of glory would have broke 
upon his mind, could he have known that he had in- 
deed discovered a new continent, equal to the whole 
of the old world in magnitude, and separated by two 
vast oceans from all of the earth hitherto known by 
civilized men; and how would his magnanimous 
spirit have been consoled, amidst the chills of age 
and cares of penury, the neglect of a fickle public, 
and the injustice of an ungrateful king, could he have ' 



HIS SUCCESSOR. 



anticipated the splendid empires which were to spread 
over the beautiful world he had discovered, and tho 
nations, and tongues, and languages, .which were to 
fill its lands with his renown, and to revere and bless 
his name to the latest posterity !" 

On the death of Columbus his son Diego succeeded 
to his rights as governor and viceroy of the new 
world ; and he persevered for some years to demand 
these honours from the king of Spain. Ferdinand 
was not more just to the son than he had been to the 
father. In 1508 Don Diego Columbus commenced 
a suit against the king, claiming his performance of 
certain promises made to his father, which were given 
to him under the royal seal, in a commission from 
the king and queen of Spain. Diego Columbus 
married Donna Maria de Toledo, a niece of the 
Duke of Alva, one of the king's favourites, and after- 
wards much distinguished in the history of Europe. 
The connexion of Don Diego with this powerful 
nobleman, and with other of the grandees of Spain, 
more than the merits of the claim, determined Fer- 
dinand to recall Ovando from his government, and 
to bestow it upon Diego Columbus. 

Don Diego, with his family, his two uncles, and 
his brother Fernando, embarked for St. Domingo, 
June 9th, 1509. They were accompanied by a 
numerous train of Spanish cavaliers, and ladies of 
honourable families and polished manners. Though 
Ferdinand did not grant Don Diego the title of 
viceroy, it was accorded to him by the respect of 
those who honoured the man and his station. Donna 
Maria was universally addressed as the vice queen. 
Don Bartholomew retained the title of adelantado. 
He was not, after the death of his brother, employed 
by the king in prosecuting farther discoveries, but 
was appointed to the command of a small island in 
20* 



234 DEATH OF DIEGO COLUMBUS. 

the West Indies. Don Bartholomew Columbus died 
at St. Domingo in 1515. 

The administration of Don Diego was not happy, 
being disturbed by altercations among the colonists, 
and complaints against him from them to the king of 
Spain. Ferdinand died January, 1516, and was suc- 
ceeded by his grandson, the Prince Charles, son of 
the princess Juana and Philip of Austria, and after- 
wards the Emperor Charles V. In 1523, Don Diego 
was recalled to Spain, to answer to certain charges 
which were brought against him. He obeyed imme- 
diately, and was able to estabhsh his innocence. But 
not having received a portion of the profits from the 
colonies, which had been allotted to him, he appealed 
to the king, for the emoluments which had been with- 
held from him. 

This affair was so neglected and deferred that Don 
Diego died in the pursuit. " For two years he fol- 
lowed the court from city to city, during its migrations 
from Victoria to Burgos, Valladolid, Madrid, and 
Toledo." After a prolonged illness, he expired at 
the village of Montalvan, not far from Seville, 
February 23d, 1526, being httle more than fifty 
years of age. 

During the twenty years that had elapsed from the 
death of Don Christopher Columbus to that of his 
son, considerable changes occurred in the West 
Indies. The mines fell into comparative neglect, 
and the true sources of wealth, the perpetual repro- 
ductions of the soil, began to be sought after. Sugar 
cane was cultivated, and sugar manufactured, and 
exported to Europe. *' It became a by-word in Spain, 
that the magnificent palaces erected by Charles V. 
at Madrid and Toledo were built of the sugar of 
Hispaniola." Porto Rico, Jamaica, and Cuba, were 
brought into subjection to Spain, and partially 



FERNANDO COLUMBUS. 235 

settled. The negroes in the West Indies soon became 
numerous, and were treated with great cruelty. The 
first revolt of these unfortunate people broke out in 
1522 at Hispaniola. 

After the death of Don Diego, Donna Maria 
claimed the viceroyalty for her eldest son, Don Luis. 
That claim was not admitted, and the young man 
gave it up, taking, instead, the titles of duke of 
Veragiia, and marquis of Jamaica, and a pension of 
one thousand doubloons of gold. In 1608, the male 
line of Columbus was declared to be extinct, and a 
grandson of Isabella, third daughter of Don E'iego 
Columbus, succeeded to the titles of duke of Vera- 
gua, &c. The present duke of Veragua is the repre- 
sentative of the noblest ancestor nobility can boast. 

Fernando Columbus, the younger son of the ad- 
miral, in 1502, accompanied his father on his fourth 
voyage. After the death of his father, Fernando 
made two voyages to the new world, and accom- 
panied the Kmperor Charles V. to Italy, Flanders, 
and Germany. These opportunities were not lost 
upon him, and he acquired much information in 
geography, navigation, and natural history. Being 
fond of books, he collected a library of twenty 
thousand volumes. He died at Seville, July, 1539, 
at the age of fifty years. He left no children. He 
composed some literary works, the most important 
of which is a history of the admiral, his father. Mr. 
Irving regrets that this history only embraces that 
portion of the admiral's life, subsequent to his fifty- 
sixth year. 



236 AMERIGO VESPUCCI. 



AMERIGO V5:SPUCCI. 

The individual, whose name will be had in ever- 
lasting remembrance, on account of the vast conti- 
nent to which it is attached, was Amerigo Vespucci. 
He was born at Florence, March 9th, 1451, of a 
noble family. Vespucci, at one time, was an enter- 
prising and wealthy merchant, but disasters in busi- 
ness reduced his fortune, so that he left Florence, 
and went to reside at, Seville. He was in that city 
in 1496. 

When the Spanish sovereigns sent out ships to the 
newly discovered countries, the ships were procured 
and fitted out by agents^ employed and paid by their 
majesties. Amerigo Vespucci, during his residence 
at Seville, was employed to furnish such vessels ; 
and, when Columbus was in Spain, Vespucci became 
acquainted with him. They conversed together con- 
cerning the new countries, and Vespucci felt a desire 
to visit them. 

In 1499, when Ojeda got permission from Fonseca 
to make discoveries, Amerigo Vespucci engaged with 
him, and sailed for Paria, which Columbus had dis- 
covered the preceding year, (1498,) in one of the 
four vessels commanded by Ojeda. This squadron 
explored the coast of that country, now called the 
republic of Colombia ; and, on the 18th of June, 
1500, arrived in Spain with intelligence of the wealth 
and beauty of the regions they had visited. 

In 1501, Vespucci left Spain, and engaged in the 
service of Emanuel, king of Portugal, and made a 
voyage from Lisbon to Brazil. Vincente Yanez 
Pinzon, in the service of Spain, and Pedro Alvarez 
Cabral, ia that of Portugal, separately discovered 



AMERIGO VESPUCCI. 237 

Brazil in 1500. Both these navigators, unknown to 
each other, or to Vespucci, took possession of Bra- 
zil in the name of their respective sovereigns. Ves- 
pucci also claimed Brazil for his master, the king of 
Portugal, and it was allotted to him, because it ex- 
tended east of the boundary line, by which Portugal 
and Spain had agreed to divide their discoveries. 

The name of Amerigo Vespucci was first given 
to this region of Southern America ; and afterwards, 
as discoveries were extended, the name was also ex- 
tended, until now, when it comprehends the immense 
continent which stretches from Cape Horn to the 
Arctic Ocean. Vespucci made several voyages to 
America, but it does not appear that the king of Por- 
tugal rewarded him liberally for his services. It is 
sometimes intimated, that Vespucci gave his name 
to the western continent, by artfully representing 
himself as its first discoverer, but that is not true. 
The extraordinary man who first crossed the western 
ocean, and first set his foot on the island of St. Sal- 
vador, first conquered the dangers, doubts, and fears 
of an unknown sea; first ascertained its limits, and 
first gave the knowledge of a western continent to 
the inhabitants of another hemisphere ; and he enjoys 
the honour which belongs exclusively to him. 

Fernando Columbus, who wrote the history of his 
father's eventful fife, never speaks of Vespucci, as of 
one who had defrauded him of his fame, by supplant- 
ing him in the honour due to the first discoverer of 
the western continent. The great distinction of 
giving a name to almost half the globe, was acci- 
dentally bestowed upon Amerigo Vespucci, not in- 
vidiously assumed by him. A letter of Columbus, 
dated February 8th, 1505, and addressed to his son 
Diego at court, was conveyed to the latter by Ves- 
pucci. Of him, Columbus says in the letter ; — 



238 DEATH OP VESPUCCI. 

r .. . ■! ; 

" Fortune has been adverse to him as to many others-, 
he goes for my account, and with much desire to do 
something that may result to my advantage. " This 
sufficiently expresses the friendship v.hich subsisted 
between these eminent men. No jealousy on the 
part of Columbus, and no hypocritical design on 
that of Vespucci, existed. The love of science ; 
the desire of extending the boundaries of human 
knowledge and the empire of civilized Europe over 
an uncultivated and barbarous world, were the mo- 
tives of their enterprises ; and a sufficient ground 
for mutual esteem, and mutual kindness. 

After the death of Columbus, Vespucci received 
from the king of Spain, the appointment of principal 
pilot, and a suitable salary. His office was to in- 
struct shipmasters, and others engaged in expedi- 
tions to the western world, how to manage their con- 
cerns with safety and success. He died at Seville, 
Mav 22d, 1512. 



THE END. 



QUESTIONS 



TALES OF AMERICAN KISTORV. 

CHAPTER I. 

Qs. Vg. 
Ill Does the history of America afford interesting subjects ? 

2 12 Should we honour the memory of national benefactors? 

3 — Can the history of America be understood without sorne know- 

ledge of the preceding history of the world ? 

4 13 What divisions of time are necessary to be remembered in the 

study of history ? 

5 — What are the pavage and civilized states of human society ? 
() 14 Wliat is the diiierence of the ancient and modern worlds ? 

7 — IIow was the western continent discovered and settled ? 

8 15 What portion of tiie ancient world was most highly civilized ? 

9 — Were the Hebrev.'s a commercial naiion ? 

10 — What was the character of the ancient Egj'ptians ? 

11 16 What parts of the world are most productive of the luxuries of 

life ? 

12 17 Were the Phcnftirians an enterprising people ? 

13 — How did the Greeks become acquainted with Asiatic luxuries? 

14 — Was the Greek commerce extensive? 

15 18 Did the Romans ever control the commerce of the world ? 

16 — How were the manufactures of Asia dispersed over Europe ? 

17 19 What dangers and difficulties attend over-land conve3anc6 of 

proi)erty ? 

18 — Were Tyre and Alexandria eminentlj'' commercial cities? 

19 20 When did Constantinople become the commercial metropolis 

of the world ? 

20 — Did Venice ever monopolize the India trade ? 

CHAPTER 11. 

21 21 What was the condhion of Europe from the fifth to the fifteenth 

century ? 

22 22 Did tiie eastern division of the Roman Empire remain longest 

subject to the laws and institutions of Rome? 

23 — What remarkable invention was effected in the fifteenth ceiitury, 

and at what period did Popery commence in the Christian 
church ? 

24 — What was the effect of Popery ? 

'do 23 Did priming improve European nations, and did all arts and 
scieiKCS make a rapid progress when books were niultiplied, 
and Europeans acquired the art of reading ? 

^13 — What is the Mariner's Compass ? What is its use, and where 
discovered ? 



qUESTIOiMS. 



Qs. Pg. 

27 24 When was Iceland discovered by the Norwegians ? 

28 — When were the Canary Islands discovered ? 

29 — What is Theory? 

30 25 What false theory concerning the torrid zone once prevailed in 

Europe ? 

31 — Who was Prince Henry of Portugal, and what was his char- 

acter ? 

32 26 What is a motto or device ? 

33 27 What is a coat of arms ? 

34 — What are the qualifications to do good, and who was an emi- 

nent example of them ? 

35 28 When were the Azore Islands discovered ? 

36 — Who discovered the Coast of Guinea? 

37 — What v/as the Pope's grant to the King of Portugal ? 

38 29 What was Prince Henry's design in respect to the Africans, 

and when did Prince Henry die ? 

39 — When was the Cape of Good Hope discovered, and by whom ? 

40 30 When did the Portuguese accomplish a passage to India ? 

CHAPTER HI. 

41' 30 To what nation of Europe is the world indebted for the discovery 
of America ? 

42 31 Who was Christopher Columbus, and who wrote his life? 

43 — What was the education of Columbus ? 

44 32 How does the spirit of curiosity often manifest itself, and hovy 

did Columbus display it? 

45 — How did Columbus spend his life from fifteen to thirty-five 

years of age ? 

46 — What were the studies of Columbus, and what persuaded him 

that a large portion of the globe was unknown to Europeans ? 

47 33 Was Columbus a devout man, and did he respect himself? 

48 — Why did Columbus require assistance in the pursuit of ma- 

ritime discovery ? 

49 34 At the present time what notions prevail in respect to the 

rights of native savages in their different countries ? 

50 35 When did Columbus offer his services to the king of Portugal, 

and how did that king receive his offer ? 

51 — Did John 11, king uf Portugal, attempt a voyage of discovery, 

and how did u succeed ? 

52 — Was Columbus ever married, and did he visit his native city ? 

CHAPTER IV. 

53 36 What was the first appearance of Columbus m Spain? 

64 — Who gave a kind reception to Columbus ? 

65 37 What is a rnnvent ? 

56 — To "vhom did the Prior of La Rabidad introduce Columbus? 

57 — What i;; the office of a confessor ? 

58 38 What further services did Prior Juan Perez render Columbus ? 

59 — What is the Moorisu conquest of Spain ? 

60 39 Why did the sovereigns of Spain make war upon the Moors, 

and did they encourage Columbus immediately upon hig 
arrival in Spain ? 



QUESTIONS. 



Us. Pg. 

61 39 Was Isabella, queen of Spain, a virtuous woman, and did 

Columbus appear with dignity at court ? 
C2 40 How did Columbus subsist for some time, and who at length 

took his project into consideration ? 

63 — Did Columbus become weary of solicitation — did he resolve 

to quit Spain, and what prevented him ? 

64 41 Who persuaded Isabella to patronize Columbus, and what did 

she bestow on him ? 

65 — When did Columbus arrive ati Grenada, and what spectacle 

was there presented to him ? 

66 42 Was the conquest of the Moors a brilliant event, and how was 

it celebrated ? 

67 — What is meant by the phrase, to cast down the crescent and ex- 

alt the cross ? 

68 43 Did Isabella entirely meet the wishes of Columbus at first, and 

how was she afterwards disposed in his favour ? 

69 — Did the sovereigns of Spain fit out Columbus for a voyage, and 

how old was he when he commenced it ? 

CHAPTER V. 

70 44 What number of ships and men formed the equipment of Co- 

lumbus, and how was his departure regarded by the inhabit- 
ants of Palos ? 

71 45 Did the mariners of Columbus's fleet proceed on the voyage 

with cheerfulness ? 

72 — Had any former traveller described regions till this time un- 

known to Europeans, and did Columbus expect to reach 
those regions? 

73 46 What encouragement did Columbus hold out to his crew, and 

what did they meet in September, 1492 ? 

74 — When did Alonzo Pinzon imagine that he saw land, and how 

did Columbus sustain his spirits during the voyage ? 

75 47 Did the sailors conspire against Columbus, and did he offer a 

reward to the first discoverer of land ? 

76 — If Columbus had not changed his course whither would he 

have proceeded? 

77 48 What happened October 11th ? 

78 — How did Columbus express his feelings in the near anticipation 

of reaching land ? 

79 49 What appearances indicated land, and who first perceived a 

light from it ? 

80 — Wha* conjectures arose in the minds of those who first saw 

the light ? 

81 — What English poet has celebrated this event ? 

CHAPTER VI. 

82 50 On what island did Columbus first land, and what appearances 

did it exhibit ? 

83 51 In what manner did Columbus first approach the shore ? 

84 — Did Columbus offer thanks to God and take possession of the 

island ? 

85 — What is an oath of allegiance ? 

ril 



QUESTIONS. 



Qs. Pg. 

86 52 How did the followers of Columbus now regard him ? 

87 — What was the behaviour of the natives when they first saw 

Europeans ? 

88 53 Did the natives regard the Spaniards as supernatural beings ? 

89 — On what account were the natives called Indians ? 

90 — What was the appearance of the natives ? 

91 54 What implements of war had the natives, and what presents 

did Columbus make them ? 

92 — What return did the natives make, and when did Columbus 

leave the island ? 

93 — What article did the Spaniards principally desire to find, and 

whither did the natives go in search of it ? 

94 55 Was the country agreeable, and did Columbus treat the natives 

with benevolence ? 

95 — What was the conduct of an Indian who was on board of the 

admiral's ship Nina? and how did Columbus receive a poor 
Indian who manifested some fear of the Spaniards ? 

96 56 Did the man return satisfied to the shore ? 

97 — What names did Columbus give to the second and third islands 

which he discovered, and whom did he overtake in saiUng 
from Conception to Fernandina ? 

98 57 Did the Indians feel cordially towards the Spaniards, and what 

were their habitations ? 

99 58 What island of the Bahama cluster did Columbus next dis- 

cover, and what false expectations did the Spaniards form in 
respect to gold mines? 

100 — What animals were found in the Bahamas ? 

CHAPTER VII. 

101 59 Did Columbus presume that Cuba was an island, and when 

was that fact ascertained ? 

102 — When did Columbus land in Cuba, and what did he find in 

the huts of the natives ? 

103 60 What is Mr. Irving's description of the climate and produc- 

tions of Cuba ? 

104 — What is related of the insects of Cuba? 

105 61 How is an Indian village described ? 

106 — Did Columbus fancy himself in Asia, in the dominions of the 

Khan of Tartary ? 

107 — Did the natives of Cuba appear at first afraid of the Span- 

iards, and were they afterwards induced to place confidence 
in them ? 

108 62 Did Columbus send Spaniards to visit the imaginary king of 

the country, and did they relate their adventures on their 
return ? 

109 — How did the Lucayan interpreter describe the Spaniards to 

the Indians, and how did the latter conduct themselves 
towards the former ? 

110 63 Was any gold found in this expedition, and what vegetable 

productions had previously been discovered in these regions ? 

111 — During the absence of his messenger did Columbus obtain any 

information concerning gold, and did they not know that 
they had in fact made a discovei-y of more value than that 
of gold "^ 



Q,UESTIONS. 



Qs. Pg. 

112 64 Did Columbus leave Cuba, and what island did he next dis- 

cover ? 

113 — Did Alonzo Pinzon abandon the fleet of Columbus ? 

114 — At what time did Columbus enter the harbour of St. Nicholas, 

and why did he call the island Hispaniola "? 

115 65 What adventure happened on the 12th of December? 

116 — Did the Indian woman return to her village, and did the na- 

tives of it show respect to the Spaniards ? 

117 66 Did these poor people appear to be happy, and show liberal 

dispositions ? 

118 — How did Peter Martyr describe these islanders? 

] 19 67 Were the natives of the West India islands all of one race and 
character ? 

120 — Is the conduct of the discoverer of America towards the 

Spaniards commendable, and were his contemporaries sen- 
sible of his worth ? 

CHAPTER VIII. 

121 68 Did the Spaniards become cruel to the Indians immediately? 

122 — Did one of the Indian princes visit the admiral in a style of 

considerable dignity ? 

123 — What presents did this prince make to Coluinbus, and what 

notions did he form of the Spaniards ? 

124 69 Did the prince depart in the manner in which he had come ? 

125 — As Columbus explored the shores of Hayti in what manner 

did the chiefs of the island entertain him ? 

126 — Who was Guacanagari, and how did he receive the Spaniards? 

127 70 What misfortune happened to Columbus on the 24th of Sep- 

tember? 

128 — Did Guacanagari assist Columbus ? 

129 71 What were the manners of Guacanagari ? 

130 — What spectacles did the Spaniards and Indians mutually ex- 

hibit ? 

131 — What account did Guacanagari give of the Caribs ? 

1 32 72 Were the Spaniards consoled for the shipwreck ? 

133 — What modes of life are convenient in warm countries ? 

1 34 — Did the Spaniards like this mode of living ? 

135 73 What was the government, and the condition of society in 

the West India Islands ? 

136 — Did Columbus propose to leave any of his men on the island 

while he returned to Spain ? 

137 — What is a fortress, and of what materials was one constructed 

for the protection of the Spaniards ? 

138 74 Under what circumstances was Columbus preparing to return 

to Spain ? 

139 — In what manner did Guacanagari always receive the visits of 

Columbus? 

140 — On one occasion did Guacanagari display unusual munificence? 

141 75 What use did Columbus intend to make of the wealth which 

he might acquire ? 

142 — What was the name of the fort which the Spaniards erected, 

and who were left to defend it ? 

143 76 When did Columbus depart for Spain, and how were his 

friends affected hv that event ? 



Q.UESTIONS. 



Qs. I'g. 

144 76 Did Pinzon rejoin the A(imiral ? 

145 — What molives had misled Pinzon, and how had he conducted 

himself? 

146 77 Did Pinzon excuse himself, and was the conduct of Columbus 

towards him commendable ? 

147 — Did Columbus compel Pinzon to do justice to the Indians 

whom he had on board his ship ? 

148 78 On what bay did Columbus land ? 

149 — How did the natives of this region appear ? 

150 — Did the natives discover any fear of the Spaniards, and on 

what occasion was the first blood shed in the new world ? 

151 — Of what tribe were these Indians ? 

152 79 What present did the cacique of the country make to Co- 

lumbus ? 

153 — What further intercourse took place, and when did Columbus 

leave the Gulf of Samana? 

154 — What occurred on the voyage to Europe? 

1 55 80 What religious services are superstitious ? 

156 — What vow did Columbus make, and what is meant by Shrines 

and by Pilgrimages ? 

157 — What second vow did the Spaniards make during the storm 

at sea ? 

158 81 During this storm what precaution did Columbus take to pre- 

serve the fact of his discovery ? 

159 — What land was first discovered on the return to Europe ? 

CHAPTER IX. 

160 82 Were the Portuguese astonished at the preservation of Co- 

lumbus's vessels ? 

161 — Did the Governor relieve the crews, and did they go on shore ? 

1 62 — What reception awaited the Spaniards ? 

163 83 What alarmed Columbus ? 

164 — How did Castinada treat the admiral ? 

165 — What hypocritical reason did Castinada assign for his inhos- 

pitality and treachery ? 

166 84 What apology could be offered for the conduct of Castinada? 

167 — What commands had the king of Portugal issued in respect to 

Columbus? 

168 85 When did Columbus arrive in the Tagus, and what was his 

reception there ? 

169 — How did Columbus treat the king of Portugal ? 

170 — Who paid Columbus a visit? 

171 86 Hov/ did the people of Lisbon regard the return of Columbus? 

172 — What further display of admiration was exhibited in Portugal? 

173 — Did Columbus act with prudence at this juncture? 

174 87 What were the King of Portugal's feelings at this time ? 

175 — What measure did King John resolve upon ? 

176 88 How did the Queen of Portugal receive Columbus? 

177 — When did Columbus reach Palos ? 

178 — What was the reception of Columbus at Palos? 

179 89 Did Pinzon hope to deprive Columbus of the honour of his 

discovery ? 

180 — What was the effect of his own conduct upon Pinzon ? 

181 90 How does Mr. Irving regard the character of Pinzon ? 



(itrESTIONS. 



U». Pg. 

182 90 Did the king and queen of Spam welcome Columbus? 

183 91 Was the journey of Columbus from Seville to Barcelona 

remarkable ? 

184 — Was there any thing like this progress of Columbus in an- 

cient Rome ? 

185 — What was displayed in the streets of Barcelona? 

186 92 Who attended Columbus, and who awaited him? 

187 — Did the sovereigns of Spain do honor to Columbus? 

188 — How did Columbus gratify their majesties ? 

189 93 How was Columbus listened to ? 

1 90 — How did the nations of Europe regard the discoveries of 

Columbus ? 

191 94 Did many eminent persons show respect to Columbus ? 

] 92 95 In what manner did Columbus reprove a shallow courtier ? 
CHAPTER X. 

193 96 What induced the sovereigns of Spain to ask permission of 

the Pope that the discoveries of Spanish vessels should be 
secured to them ? 

194 — What bull did the Pope grant in favour of Spain ? 

195 — To whom did the Spanish sovereigns intrust the preparation 

of a second voyage to the new world ? 

196 97 Could any vessel be fitted out for discovery without special 

permission ? 

197 — In what respect is our political condition better than if we 

were living under an arbitrary government ? 

198 98 How many ships, and what adventurers were engaged for 

the second expedition of Columbus ? 

199 — What sort of man was Alonzo de Ojeda ? 

200 — What exploit of his is recorded ? 

201 99 Did the king of Portugal intercept the voyage of Columbus.? 

202 — How did Columbus leave Palos a second time, and when did 

he reach the Canary islands ? 

203 100 When did Columbus discover the Caribbees, and what is the 

extent of those islands ? 

204 — How did Columbus celebrate his discoveries? 

205 — To what islands did Columbus give name, and what did he 

observe in those islands ? 

206 101 What was one of the customs, and what were the arras of 

the Caribs? 

207 — What information concerning the Caribs did the Spaniards 

obtain ? 

208 102 Did the Carib women fight? 

209 103 Were the Caribs an intelligent race ? 

210 104 What occurred on the 22d of November ? 

211 — What occurred on the 27th of November ? 

212 — Who came out to the admiral's vessel at La Navidad? 

213 105 What did Columbus learn concerning his fortress ? 

214 — What did those persons who landed discover ? 

215 106 When Columbus went ashore what did he observe ? 

216 — What was the conduct of those Spaniards who had been left 

in the fort ? 

217 — How did Arana conduct himself, and who withdrew from his 

authority ? 



q,UESTIONS. 



(is. Pg. 

218 107 Where wasCibao, and who was its chief ? 

219 — How did Caonabo devise against the white men? 

220 108 How did Caonabo execute his project? 

CHAPTER XL 

221 109 What passed between the admiral and Guacanagari "i 

2 22 Did the cacique return the visit of Columbus, and what emo- 

tions did the Haytians experience at sight of the Caribs ? 

223 1 [0 What objects in the admiral's ship affected Guacanagari ? 

224 — What were the cacique's feelings during his visit to Co- 

lumbus ? 

225 111 How did the Boriquen women escape from the admiral's 

ship ? 

226 — What became of Guacanagari ? 

227 112 What difficulties arose among the colonists? 

228 — Who were sent in search for gold ? 

229 113 What discovery was made on the third day of this expe- 

dition ? 

230 — Was gold found by the Spaniards ? 

231 — Who embarked for Spain m twelve ships, and what proposal 

did Columbus offer to the sovereigns of Spain ? 

232 114 What name vvas given to the new city, and what discontents 

arose in the colony ? 

233 — What falsehood was invented to the injury of the admiral ? 

234 115 In what manner did Columbus proceed to the territory of 

Cibao ? 

235 — What did 'he Spaniards encounter in this journey? 

236 116 Did Columbus respect the rights of the Indians, and what 

river and plain did he cross ? 

237 — Was gold here offered to Columbus ? 

238 — Where was fort St. Thomas erected, who took the com- 

mand of it, and who was sent to explore the country ? 

239 117 Did the Indians believe in a multitude of divinities? 

240 — Did the religion of the Indians bear any resemblance to that 

of the Romans and Mahf^medans ? 

241 118 How did the Butios, or Indian priests, deceive the people ? 

242 — What festival was celebrated by the Indians ? 

243 119 What tradition had the Haytians in respect to the Creation ? 

244 — What was the fable of these people concerning the origin of 

mankind ! 

245 120 What was the Indian tradition of the Deluge? 

246 — How did the Indians treat the dying, and what were their 

notions of Heaven ? 

247 121 What were the Indian dances and songs, and what melan- 

choly change has taken place in their country ? 

248 122 In what condition did Columbus find Isabella on his return 

from the interior, and what did he hear from St, Thomas? 

249 — What soon become the condition of the colony ? 

250 — Who hated and persecuted Columbus ? 

251 123 What did Columbus devise to remedy these evils ? 

252 — What instructions did Columbus give to promote peace and 

good order ? 

253 — How did ill will arise between the Indians and the Spaniards? 

254 124 How did Columbus treat the Indian prisoners ? 



QUESTIONS. 



Qs. Pg. 

255 124 Were the Indians afraid of horsemen ? 

256 — Of what was Columbus convinced, and who were his coun- 

sellors ? 

257 — When did Columbus set out on an exploring expedition ? 

258 125 What islands did Columbus next discover, and what was the 

deportment of its inhabitants ? 

259 — At what place was Columbus detained in order to repair his 

vessel 7 

260 126 What name did Columbus give the island, and what are its 

productions ? 
2f»l — Of what description were the vessels of the natives ? 

262 127 Did Columbus desire to return to Cuba? 

263 — Did a young Indian of Jamaica wish to accompany Co- 

lumbus ? 

264 128 What afterwards became of this youth? 

265 — What information concerning that island did the natives of 

Cuba give? 

266 — What is the Queen's Garden? 

267 — Is the coast of Cuba beautiful ? 

268 — IIow did the natives along the shores of Cuba entertain th© 

Spaniards ? 

269 129 What is the present state of that tract ? 

270 — How does Humboldt, the traveller, describe this coast of Cuba? 

271 130 What animals abound in this region? 

272 — Did Columbus proceed the whole length of the island ? 

273 — Did Columbus suppose Cuba to be an island ? 

274 — What occurred on the 7th of July ? 

275 — What custom was then usual to Catholics? 

276 131 What is the Mass ? 

277 — Who came out to welcome Columbus? 

278 132 What discourse did the old man address to Cokmbus ? 

279 — What was the admiral's reply ? , », -> 

280 — Was the old man gratified by the benevolence of Columbus ? 

281 133 By whom, and how is the worship of God descriked, and 

what is the general character of that poet's ve-^es . 

282 134 What is meant by natural and revealed religio" • , 

283 — Do natural and revealed religion teach t»e doctrine of 

rewards arid punishments ? 

CHAPTER XII . ^ 

284 135 Did Columbus circumnavigate Jamai,'^ • „„ ,^^ ^, 

285 136 What family desired to place chen-^^'^^s under the protec- 

tion of Columbus ? „, „ . n^i.,^!,.,™'* 

286 137 What address did the ca^/que ''^« ^ Columbus? 

287 138 When did Columbus returr« Isabella ! 

288 139 In what condition was Cp"™bus^t tins tune? 

289 - Who alleviated ^he s.-^rrngs of Columbus, and what had 

290 1 40 How did C feaHes^vx^i. treat Bartholomew Columbus ? 

291 What office did ^he admiral confer upon his brother ? 

292 141 Into how man/ domains was Hayti divided ? _ 

293 What were ciie second, third, tourth, and nttn domains / 

294 142 What happened in Hay ti during the admiral's absence? 

295 Did contention arise between the Spaniards and the Indians ? 



10 qUESTrONS. 



Qs. Pg. 

2% 143 What cluef resolved to exterminate the Spaniards? 

297 — What " religious talisman" do the Catholics sometimes wear 

about their persons ? 

298 — In what manner did Ojeda regard the Virginl 

299 144 With what force did Caonabo attack the garrison of St. 

Thomas ? 

300 145 In what manner did Caonabo proceed ? 

301 — Who gave Columbus information of the designs of the In- 

dians, and what did he resolve to do? 

302 146 What offer did Ojeda make to the admiral, and how did the 

former proceed ? 

303 147 Did Ojeda attempt to take Caonabo by stratagem ? 
904 148 Did Ojeda succeed in his treacherous attempt? 

305 149 What was the deportment of Caonabo in his captive state? 

306 — Did Ojeda piake other prisoners besides Caonabo? 

CHAPTER XIII. 

307 150 What vessels and letters arrived from Spain in the autumn 

of 1494 ? 

308 — On what account did Columbus send his brother Diego to 

Spain ? 

309 151 What portion of mankind have been subject to slavery? 

310 — What mduced Columbus to recommend the slavery of the 

Indians ? 

311 — Did Ferdinand of Spain make slaves of the Moors? 

312 152 In what manner did Columbus exact tribute from tlae 

Spaniards ? 
SI 3 153 How were the Indians compelled to spend their time ? 

314 — Who was an eminent sufferer among the Indians, and what 

is the condition of their descendants ? 

^16 1=. nr CHAPTER XIV. 

315 154 Wtmt complaints did Margarite and farther Boyle make in 

Spain, and what did the sovereigns resolve upon in conse- 
quence 1 

316 155 ^hat effect did the letters of Columbus to the Queen of 
_,, ^fP^in produce ? 

.^17 ^y"^ did Aguado arrive at Hispaniola, and how did he con- 

ductVimself? 

318 156 What st^m occurred, and what discovery was made at this 

319 158 When did Co„n^t^.jg ^^^ g^jj ^^^ g i„ ^„^ how were the 

■n^/fv"'^n K "- '^e*^ at Guadaloupe ? 
oo? ,■;; 5-f ^fi r""""-^" resemble the Amazons of antiquity? 

321 159 Did fire-arms territ^th^ Caribs, and when did Columbus 
reach Cadiz / 

«;? i7n wf .S''lT^"' I'^'^^T'^reccived in Spain? 

323 160 What did Columbus ask oU^^^ sovereigns of Spain in order 

to prosecute his discoveries'* 

324 — What circumstances in some mt^gure ^.ounteracted the de- 

signs 01 Columbus I 

325 — What provision was made for Columi^jg in the spring of 1497'? 

326 161 Who opposed himself to the designs of Columbus 'i 

327 — What dignities were conferred upon Columbus'^ 



QUESTIONS. it 



Qs. Pg. 

328 161 When xlid Columbiis set sail, and when did he reach the calm 

latitndoK ? 

329 162 What is the climate of the tropic sea? 

330 — What are Mr. Coleridge's verses descriptive of the torrid 

regions ? 

331 163 What sort of people were the natives of Trinadad ? 

332 1G5 Did Columbus presume that he was near a continent, and 

why ? 

CHAPTER XV. 

333 166 When did Columbus arrive at Hispaniola, and what had his 

brother effected during his absence ? 

334 — What measures did the adelantado take to strike awe of the 

white men into the Indians ? 

335 167 What character is given to the widow of Caonabo, and what 

counsel did she give to the cacique of Xaragua ? 

336 168 What preparation did Anacaona make for the reception of 

the adelantado ? 

337 169 How did the cacique of the Vega regard the treatment of his 

subjects, and by what expedient did the Spaniards get in- 
formation of their danger ? 

338 171 How did the adelantado proceed with the Indians, and what 

was the etfect of his conduct ? 

339 172 Did the cacique of Xaragua pay the promised tribute ? 

340 173 In what condition was the settlement at Isabella at this 

time ? 

341 — Who revolted against the admiral's authority ? 

342 174 What dispute occurred between Roldan and Diego Co- 

lumbus ? 

CHAPTER XVI. 

343 175 How did the adelantado defend himself against the designs 

of Roldan 1 

344 176 Who arrived from Spain and took the part of the adelantado ? 

345 177 What was the conduct of Guarionex at this time, and with 

whom did he take refuge ? 

346 — What was the final effort of the natives to preserve their in- 

dependence ? 

347 178 What was the memorable reply of the cacique Magobanex to 

the offers of the adelantado ? 

348 — What progress did the adelantado make in securing the sub- 

jection of the natives ? 

349 179 How did the Spaniards discover the retreat of Guarionex and 

Magobanex ? 

350 — How did the adelantado treat his prisoners ? 

351 180 What was the general condition of the island at this time? 

352 181 What measures did the admiral take in respect to Roldan ? 

353 — Did the colonists readily support the admiral's authority ? 

354 182 What provision was made for the cultivation of lands assigned 

to the Spaniards ? 

355 — What measures did Columbus take to vindicate his adminis- 

tration in Spain ? 

356 183 Who landed on the island of Hispaniola in the autumn of 

1499? 

357 — What accoimt of himself did Ojeda give ? 



12 Q,UESTIONS. 



Qs. Pg. 

358 184 Who accompanied Ojeda, and what part did the latter take 

with the insurgents of Xaragua ? 

359 — Did Ojeda persevere in this enterpnze ? 

360 185 What happened to Roldan in Xaragua ? 

361 — What excited the ill-will of Adrian de Moxica against 

Roldan ? 

362 186 What measures did Columbus take to frustrate the plans of 

Moxica ? 

363 187 Did the Spanish affairs in this colony begin to prosper at this 

time ? 

CHAPTER XVII. 

364 — What influence had the enemies of Columbus at the court 

of Spain ? 

365 188 Did the sovereigns of Spain determine to ascertain the truth 

concerning Columbus, and whom did they appoint to inves- 
tigate his administration ? 

366 189 When did Bobadilla arrive at St. Domingo, and what was the 

first effect of his appearance there ? 

367 — How did Bobadilla treat Diego Columbus, and what orders 

did he give in respect to the admiral and Don Bartholomew? 

368 190 Did any disagreement arise between Bobadilla and Miguel 

Diaz? 

369 191 What fiirther insults and injuries did Bobadilla ofFer to 

Columbus ? 1 

370 — How did Columbus sustain himself under this treatment? | 

371 192 Were Columbus and his brothers put in prison ? i| 

372 — Under whose charge was Columbus sent to Spain, and wh^t ' 

affecting interview passed between him and Vellijo — to 
whom he was committed ? 

373 193 What treatment did Columbus receive, and how did he bear 

his misfortunes in the passage to Spain ? 

374 — When the brothers reached Spain what were the measures 

taken in respect to them ? 

375 194 When Columbus appeared at court how was queen Isabella 

affected at the sight of him ? 

376 — Was Columbus restored to the vice-royalty ? 

377 195 What adventurers engaged in voyages of discovery about 

this time ? 

378 — What project in relation to newly-discovered countries did 

Ferdinand of Spain form, and what promise did he make ta 
Columbus ? 

379 196 What were the consequences of Bobadilla's misrule? 

380 — What was the conduct of the Spanish colonists, and who 

was appointed to supercede Bobadilla ? 

381 — What was the origin of negro slavery, and how has it been 

perpetuated ? 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

382 197 Who attended Ovando to Hispaniola, and what disposed Co- 

lumbus to undertake a fourth voyage ? 

383 198 Did the sovereigns of Spain patronize the fourth voyage of 

Columbus, and did they promise honour to his family ? 

384 — With what equipment, and with what purpose did Columbus 

depart from Spain, May, 1502 ? 



QUESTIONS. is 



Q8. Pg. 

385 199 What induced Columbus to touch at Hispaniola, and how had 
Ovando been received there ? 

38G — Was Bobadilla still at St. Domingo, and was Columbus per- 
mitted to enter that harbour ? 

387 200 What did Columbus discover on the 30th of July, and what 

did the adelantado observe ? 

388 201 Did the natives of this island appear to be more ingenious 

than others hitherto known to the Spaniards ? 

389 202 What course did Columbus take, and where 6'^ he arrive on 

the 14th of September? 

390 — What dispositions did the natives of t^^ Mosqueto shore 

exhibit / 

391 203 What intelligence was given by thf natives of Costa Rica ? 

392 204 How is Porto Bello described ? 

393 — Where did Columbus station his vessels, January, 1503, and 

what intercourse was begun between the Spaniards and 
the natives ? 

394 205 What hostile design was formed by the Indians, and wlio 

engaged to frustrate their Jnterjtions ? 

395 206 What was the success of Mendez in his undertaking ? 

396 207 Did the adelantado attack the house of Quibia ? 

397 — What success had the adelantado in his attack upon Quibia ? 

398 208 To whose care was Quibia entrusted, and did he escape from 

the Spaniards ? 

399 209 Did Quibia attempt to destroy the Spanish settlement, and 

how was he repulsed ? 

400 _ How was Diego Tristan killed ? 

401 — What effect had tJie death of Tristan upon the Spaniards ? 

402 210 What was the tragical end of Quibia's family? 

403 — What prevented the admiral from proceeding on his voyage 

to Spain? 

CHAPTER XIX. 

404 211 Who amowg the Spaniards performed a remarkable service 

to Co'inibus ? 

405 212 In what manner were the Spaniards at the settlement con- 

veyed to the admiral's vessels ? 

406 — When did Columbus set sail from the coast of Veragua ? 

407 21? When was he forced to put into harbour in the island of 

Jamaica, and what orders did he give to his men ? 

408 — What service did Diego Mendez offer to perform ? 

409 214 What was the situation of the men on board the admiral's 

ships, and what plan was devised for their relief? 

410 215 What discourse did the admiral address to Diego Mendez? 

411 — What was the reply of Mendez, and how did the admiral 

receive it? 

412 216 When the admiral made the courage and generosity of Men- 

dez known to his followers, how did they regard him, and 
what did he say ? 

413 — Did Columbus furnish despatches to Mendez? 

414 217 Who accompanied Mendez to Hispaniola? 

415 218 Who among the officers of Columbus mutined, and did tho 

crew enter into the desperate projects of Porras ? 

416 — Who among his followers adhered to Columbus '^ 



14 ttUESTIONS. 



Cts. Pg. 

417 219 DidthePorras brothers and their adherents leave the wrecks? 

418 — By what artifice did Columbus procure supplies from the 

Indians ? 

419 220 When the Indians saw the prediction of Columbus accom- 

plished, what were their emotions ? 
CHAPTER XX. 

420 221 Did Diego Mendez and his companions suffer severely in 

*heir passage to Hispaniola ? 

421 223 In oHer to see Ovando, whither was Mendez forced to 

travel, and how long was he obliged to wait before he got 
even the T)romise of assistance ? 

422 224 Were the reu,ls at length made prisoners ? 

423 225 When did Colutnbus leave the wrecks, and when did he 

land once more j.t, St. Domingo ? 

424 — What was the character of Ovando's administration ? 

425 226 What complaints were made to Ovando of the refractoriness 

of the Indians of Xaragua ? 

426 227 How did Ana/:aona receive a, visit from Ovando, and how 

was that priikcess treated ? 

427 — When did Columbus leave St. Domingo, and how was he 

received in Spain ? 

428 228 Had Columbus enemies at coyrt, and how did he defend his 

own character ? 

429 — What affliction did Columbus sustain at this time ? 

430 229 When did Isabella of Spain die, and what touching circum- 

stances are recorded concerning her death ? 

431 — What is worthy of praise and imitation in the character of 

Isabella ? 

432 — How did Columbus spend the winter of 1505, and who was 

engaged in his behalf? 

433 230 Did Columbus ever return to co'jrt, and what was his 

reception there ? 

434 231 Who attended the death-bed of Columbis? 

435 — What was Ms behaviour in his last momeats ? 

436 — Where were the remains of Columbus ai^^i his son Don 

Diego interred, where does that illustrious man now rest, 
and what is inscribed upon his tomb ? 

437 232 What reflections are suggested by reading the life of 

Columbus ? 

438 — What is related of Diego Columbus, the son of the admiral 1 

439 234 Was the administration of Diego Columbus fortunate? 

440 — When did Diego Columbus die? 

441 235 Is any account given of the descendants of Columbus? 

442 236 Who was Amerigo Vespucci ? 

443 — Were Vespucci and Columbus acquainted ? 

444 — In what year did Vespucci first visit the new world ? 

445 237 On what account was the territory of Brazil allotted to 

Vespucci ? 

446 — Was the name America first given to the whole continent ? 

447 — How does Fernando Columbus speak of Amerigo Vespucci ? 

448 238 What was the occupation of Vespucci, and where did he die ? 



THE END. 



I 



A 



